WhatsApp is preparing another major change to the way users navigate the app. The messaging platform is testing a feature that could bring Channels directly into the Chats tab on Android, potentially changing the way users access conversations and updates.

According to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the company is testing the new arrangement with beta users. The change is part of WhatsApp's broader effort to simplify its interface and bring more content into a single section.

Channels could move to the Chats tab

At present, WhatsApp Channels are accessed through the Updates section. Under the new system being tested, users who follow Channels could see them directly inside the Chats tab.

WhatsApp is reportedly planning to give users a choice about where they want their followed Channels to appear. This could make it easier to access both private conversations and followed channels from one place.

The separate Updates tab could eventually be removed if WhatsApp completes this transition. However, the feature is still under development, so the final design and rollout could change.

Why is WhatsApp making this change?

WhatsApp has been steadily expanding beyond traditional messaging. Channels have become an important part of the platform, allowing businesses, celebrities, organisations and creators to communicate with large audiences.

By bringing Channels closer to regular chats, WhatsApp could make this content easier to discover and encourage more users to interact with it.

The move also comes as Meta continues to add more content and services to WhatsApp, turning the app into more than just a messaging platform.

WhatsApp is also expanding Channel Status

The company has recently been working on Channel Status, allowing channel administrators to share temporary photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.

Followers can interact with these updates and reshare them to their own Status. WhatsApp has been expanding this feature to more channels and users on Android and iOS.

More features are being tested

WhatsApp is simultaneously working on several other changes. These include birthday reminders for contacts, a redesigned floating navigation bar for Android and the ability to connect third-party AI agents within chats.

The redesigned navigation bar is expected to feature rounded corners and a floating appearance, giving the Android app a look that is closer to its iOS version.

WhatsApp is becoming an all-in-one platform

Meta has also been adding more everyday services to WhatsApp in India. The company recently launched bill payments, allowing users to pay electricity, gas, water, FASTag, insurance, credit card and loan bills directly through WhatsApp. The service is powered by the Bharat Connect network and covers more than 22,000 billers.

With messaging, Channels, payments, business services and AI features increasingly coming together, WhatsApp is gradually evolving into an all-in-one digital platform.

The new Channels-in-Chats feature is still being tested, so it may take some time before it reaches all Android users. But if WhatsApp goes ahead with the change, the way millions of users navigate the app could look noticeably different.