WhatsApp rolls out new themes and animated wallpapers feature
Five new categories arrive
WhatsApp is giving Android users more control over the appearance of their conversations. The latest WhatsApp chat themes expansion introduces five categories that allow users to change the look of their chats more easily.
The WhatsApp new update brings the same theme structure already introduced on iPhone, while the WhatsApp Android update is currently reaching some beta testers.
Users can explore new WhatsApp themes through Featured, Nature, Live, Minimal and Doodle categories. The WhatsApp wallpapers section is also being reorganized separately.
Nature, Live and Doodle options
The Featured section collects selected designs from other categories. The WhatsApp Nature themes category focuses on outdoor scenes, including forests, mountains, deserts and coastal landscapes.
The WhatsApp Live wallpapers category introduces animated backgrounds. These wallpapers use slow movement so that conversations remain easy to read.
The WhatsApp Doodle themes category brings back the familiar patterned appearance associated with WhatsApp’s traditional wallpapers.
Users who prefer a cleaner interface can choose the WhatsApp Minimal themes category. It offers simpler backgrounds with fewer patterns and distractions.
More choices for wallpapers
The new WhatsApp wallpapers section allows users to select a background without applying a complete theme. This gives people more freedom to mix different visual options.
The WhatsApp Nature themes can provide outdoor-inspired backgrounds, while the WhatsApp Live wallpapers add subtle movement to the chat screen.
The app also introduces Vibrant and Gradient wallpaper categories. Vibrant focuses on brighter colours, while Gradient uses smooth transitions between different colours.
Users can also continue selecting pictures from their own gallery. WhatsApp additionally allows users to create wallpapers with AI.
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Animated backgrounds remain subtle
The Live option is one of the more noticeable changes in the WhatsApp new update. Unlike fast-moving animations, these backgrounds are designed to move slowly.
The approach is intended to prevent the background from becoming distracting while users are reading messages. Animated wallpapers also have a small badge on their thumbnails.
The WhatsApp Android update brings these options closer to the customization experience already available on iOS.
The WhatsApp themes system also automatically selects a suitable message bubble colour based on the selected background.
Automatic bubble colours
With the updated WhatsApp chat themes, users do not always need to manually adjust their message bubble colours.
WhatsApp automatically selects a colour that provides enough contrast with the chosen background. Users can still change the colour themselves if they do not like the automatic choice.
The system works across different WhatsApp wallpapers, including options from the WhatsApp Nature themes and WhatsApp Live wallpapers categories.
The WhatsApp Doodle themes and WhatsApp Minimal themes also form part of the wider customization system.
When will users get the feature?
The feature is currently being rolled out gradually through WhatsApp beta for Android. WABetaInfo reported compatibility with Android beta version 2.26.37.6, with more users expected to receive the feature over the coming weeks.
The WhatsApp beta rollout means that not every tester will see the options immediately. Availability can depend on the account and the gradual rollout process.
The WhatsApp chat themes are expected to reach more users as the rollout expands. The WhatsApp new update is therefore not yet available to everyone.
The WhatsApp Android update also continues the company’s broader effort to give Android users more customization choices.
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More customization is coming
The expansion gives users several ways to personalize conversations. The new WhatsApp themes can be combined with different WhatsApp wallpapers, allowing users to create a look that suits their preference.
The WhatsApp Live wallpapers add movement, while the WhatsApp Doodle themes offer a more familiar appearance.
For users who prefer natural scenery, the WhatsApp Nature themes provide landscape-inspired designs. Those looking for simpler options can turn to the WhatsApp Minimal themes.
The feature is still being gradually tested through WhatsApp beta, so the final availability may take some time.
