This update comes after nearly a year of testing, initially observed by beta testers, demonstrating the app’s commitment to adhering to Google’s Material Design guidelines, as reported by WABetaInfo.
Although WhatsApp introduced and then removed the modification in June and September of 2023, it has now been reintroduced and recently gained attention once again.
Unlike previous tests that impacted specific handsets, the recent testing conducted last week involved linked Android phones that were previously unaffected.
The redesigned tab bar, located at the bottom of the screen, now features four tabs: Chats, Updates, Communities, and Calls. This marks a departure from the previous design, which included larger tabs for Chats, Status, and Calls and a smaller one for Communities.
WhatsApp emphasizes that the redesigned bottom bar aims to improve thumb access for users. Furthermore, it facilitates seamless tab navigation through side swipes. Users are gradually receiving this feature across their devices following an update to the app’s Play Store changelog.
