What exciting new feature is WhatsApp working on now?

WhatsApp is working on exciting new themed icons that promise to bring a revamped look for contacts and group chats for its users in a future update.

Currently, icons for contacts, group chats, and communities, are displayed in a neutral grey colour, providing a simple and uniform look for those without profile photos, WABetaInfo reported.

However, WhatsApp is now planning to introduce vibrant colours to these icons, making it easier to visually identify contacts and groups at a glance, as users will begin to associate specific colours with certain chats. 

It's worth noting that the concept of this feature is very similar to the coloured icons seen in the address book of the Android stock app, where each contact is visually distinguished by a colour-coded icon.

When a contact has not set a profile picture or has chosen to hide it due to privacy settings, WhatsApp will automatically display a distinct themed icon for that contact.

This default icon includes unique visual characteristics, particularly in its colour scheme, allowing users to quickly distinguish between contacts who may have identical names or simply lack a photo.

Similarly, in the case of group chats and communities, the new themed icons may also help when groups do not have a designated image.

Without a unique group picture, it can be complicated to differentiate between multiple group chats at a glance who share the same name. 

The themed icons will apply distinct colours and designs that help users associate a particular icon with each group, making it easier to recognise without needing to open each group chat individually.

This new feature is currently under development.

While users of Meta's instant messaging app may have to wait for a future update to explore this new feature, beta testers can try it out in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.24.12 update which is available for download on the Google Play Store.