The tech team at WhatsApp appears to be quite changeable, as the messaging app is poised for another significant update just weeks after a previous makeover that left many users dissatisfied. The app’s recent redesign was met with criticism, with users describing the changes as “ugly” and “irritating.”
“Bring a modern, new experience to WhatsApp and make it more accessible as well as easier to use,” was the stated aim of the most recent WhatsApp update, according to Meta. Modifications were made to icons, colours, space, and other features. But the redesign didn’t have the expected effect, especially on iOS users who were taken aback by the new, heavily green motif following years of a blue theme that matched the colours of Apple’s UI.
The chat-list window, status bar, and notifications were among the app’s elements that got hit by this update. Chat links also changed from their usual blue to green. Users were outraged by the abrupt change, and social media was soon filled with complaints.
Reversing unpopular changes is nothing new for WhatsApp; for example, it formerly capitalised the phrases “online” and “typing” beneath contact names before pulling back due to outrage from users. In a similar vein, it appears that the company is now reacting to the most recent criticism.
According to beta testers at WABetaInfo, the upcoming version of WhatsApp for iOS devices will introduce features allowing users to personalize the app’s appearance. This update will enable users to select from a range of chat theme colors, eliminating the much-criticized green and allowing for more customization. The chosen theme color will apply to chat bubbles and wallpaper, giving users greater control over their app’s look and feel.
Additionally, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a feature to let users control the app’s accent color, further enhancing the customization options. This move appears to be an effort to rectify the recent missteps and regain user favor.