WhatsApp Developing App Theme Customization
WhatsApp is reportedly developing new personalization features that will allow users to customize the app's theme, icons, and colors. This development aligns with a broader trend in consumer apps toward giving users more control over the user interface. The features aim to increase users' sense of ownership and engagement with the platform.
- The customization will be extensive, with beta versions showing up to 22 chat themes and 38 color options for chat bubbles and backgrounds. - Users can apply themes to individual chats for better organization or set a default theme across the entire app for a consistent look. - These visual customizations are private to the user; the person on the other end of the chat will not see the selected theme, color, or wallpaper. - Beyond chat themes, WhatsApp is also developing options to change the main app icon, with 14 different icon designs spotted in a beta version, including styles like "Aurora," "Galaxy," and "Neon." - Some of the more advanced personalization features, such as custom app icons and changing the app's main branding color from the default green, may be part of a future premium subscription plan. - This move follows a broader user interface refresh that included a new color palette, updated icons, and a "darker dark mode" designed to reduce eye strain. - The feature is being tested in beta on both Android and iOS, with specific versions like 2.24.21.34 for Android rolling out the initial theme options to testers. - In addition to visual themes, recent beta versions have also included new features for video calls, such as filters, background customization, and a "Touch Up" feature to improve video quality in low light.
