WhatsApp Beta Adds 22 Chat Themes, Mimicking Messenger’s iOS Feature

WhatsApp has finally made the decision to offer chat-specific theming in its Android app. Though it was restricted and essentially comprised altering the chat’s background image, theming has always been an option on WhatsApp for Android. Similar to Facebook’s Messenger software, a new interface that allows users to customize the style of their chats has been seen online. It’s a little strange that WhatsApp didn’t adopt chat-specific themes sooner, considering Facebook Messenger has had them for a while.

To be clear, WhatsApp for Android’s beta version is now the only one with the new theme interface and chat-specific themes. In a post, WABetaInfo shared a few pictures that demonstrate a theme choosing interface that differs significantly from the one that is presently accessible on Android smartphones.

For comparison, the app’s theme options presently only include System Default, Light, and Dark. However, WABetaInfo notes that users on Android may anticipate up to 22 new chat themes with up to 20 different colour possibilities with WhatsApp version 2.24.21.34 from the Google Play Beta Program.

Users will have the option to choose from up to 22 textured chat themes and 20 chat colours whenever WhatsApp releases a new version. A new degree of personalization will be added to conversations with these themes’ predefined chat bubble colours, which vary depending on the sender and recipient. These themes will also be chat-specific, in contrast to what is now offered. Users will therefore be able to select and establish a certain theme for every chat, just like they can change the background.

It appears that users will soon be able to access a Chat theme settings page that includes customizable options for the background wallpaper and chat colour, based on pictures included in the story. Users will also be able to pick certain themes for individual talks or a default theme that will be applied to all chats.

Recently, the feature was observed on the iOS beta version of WhatsApp. The app’s features are the same in both versions. There is a strong possibility that the functionality may debut on the iOS release version of WhatsApp before making its way to Android, as it did come sooner on the iOS version.

According to WABetaInfo, the program will automatically apply a complimentary chat colour each time you install a new theme. You may change the colour for individual chats if you’d like further customisation, giving each exchange a distinctive and customized look. You can basically modify your conversations whatever you wish without worrying about the receiver criticizing you because your customisation will be private and invisible to them.

Although the function is currently in beta, only a select few people may access it. On my Pixel 8 running WhatsApp beta 2.24.21.34, I am unable to view it. Through the WhatsApp for iOS 24.20.71 update, the functionality is also now available on iOS, albeit I’m not seeing it on my iPhone either.

More recently, it was announced that voice commands would soon be able to be used to send messages using Google’s Gemini virtual assistant on Android. Currently, the capability is accessible through Google Assistant, which Gemini is progressively replacing. Gemini integration is still being tested, much like chat-specific theming.