WhatsApp Tests New Android Navigation Bar With Meta AI Integration

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new navigation bar for its Android app, giving the interface a more floating and rounded appearance while potentially bringing Meta AI directly into the navigation area.

The redesign was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.38.10 and remains under development. According to reports from GSM Arena and WABetaInfo, the current design is not final and could undergo further changes before being released to users.

One of the most noticeable changes is the bottom navigation bar. Instead of extending across the bottom edge of the screen, the redesigned version appears as a separate floating element with rounded, oval-shaped corners. The navigation area continues to provide access to WhatsApp's main sections, including Chats, Updates, Communities and Calls, but with a refreshed visual layout.

The design also appears to borrow some ideas from WhatsApp's newer iOS interface. However, the Android version is not expected to replicate the same level of transparency. The redesigned bar is being tested in both light and dark themes, with the new floating appearance reportedly more noticeable in light mode.

Another major change involves Meta AI. The AI assistant currently appears as a floating shortcut above the compose button on Android. Under the new design, Meta AI could instead become part of the main navigation bar, giving it a more permanent position within the app. Development screenshots show the Meta AI button in different locations, suggesting WhatsApp is still testing where it should appear.

WABetaInfo has also linked the redesign to calls for a more modern Android interface from some users, although WhatsApp has not confirmed that user feedback directly prompted the changes.

Importantly, the redesigned navigation bar has not been released for general users and is still being developed. There is no confirmed public rollout date, and the final design could change or take several more weeks to reach a wider audience.