Android users can test a pill-shaped menu and a dedicated contacts tab in the latest WhatsApp beta updates tracked by WABetaInfo.
WhatsApp started testing a new menu, WABetaInfo reported. The element floats above the app interface instead of staying fixed at the bottom of the screen. Users see four buttons for conversations, updates, contacts, and calls, represented entirely by icons without text labels.
According to WABetaInfo, the menu shrinks when users scroll down the chat list and expands back to full size when scrolling toward the top. The new menu features a round indicator that is more visible than in the previous version.
The color matches the application theme by default, while WhatsApp Plus subscribers can select custom colors through settings. Meta is rolling out the feature gradually to beta testers on the Google Play Store.
Dedicated Contacts Tab Replaces Communities Shortcut
A separate Android beta update, version 2.26.45.2, introduces a dedicated contacts tab that replaces the communities shortcut, Notícias ao Minuto reported. This hub lists all device contacts in a single area so users can start direct chats without returning to the main inbox.
Favorite contacts appear at the top, followed by the rest of the address book. Users can sort entries alphabetically, by birthdays, or by recent activity, and add new phone numbers directly from the menu. Some contacts may display a small clock symbol on their icon.
Testing on iOS beta version 26.44.10.70 brings a new contacts tab to iPhone users via TestFlight, WABetaInfo reported. The iOS implementation respects existing privacy settings, meaning hidden online statuses or last-seen timestamps remain concealed. Users can also see who is online through the new screen.
A green button at the top of the iOS screen allows users to add a new contact directly from there, providing fields for first name, last name, phone number, and username, with the option to synchronize the new contact with the mobile phone book.
Communities are still accessible through filters inside the chat tab once the dedicated shortcut leaves the bottom bar. WABetaInfo also said that WhatsApp is studying testing the replacement of the Updates tab for status and channels with the contacts tab in future versions.
Floating Preview Cards for Stealth Reading
Another Android beta feature lets users inspect message histories through floating preview cards without sending read receipts, Pplware reported. Quick actions at the bottom of the card allow users to mute notifications, mark chats as unread, or delete conversations without opening the main chat window.
Frequently Asked Questions About WhatsApp Updates
When will the floating menu reach the stable WhatsApp version?
Meta has not announced a public release date for the pill-shaped menu. The feature remains restricted to Android beta testers while developers test stability.
How do you sort contacts in the new dedicated tab?
Users can organize the contact list alphabetically, by birthday dates, or by recorded activity levels. Favorites always remain pinned at the top of the interface.
WhatsApp is testing a floating navigation bar on Android pic.twitter.com/fBzbUpqByg
Do preview cards trigger blue checkmarks on Android?
Reading message histories through the new floating preview card keeps the read status intact on the sender’s side. The feature functions without altering default privacy settings.
Will communities disappear from the app entirely?
The dedicated communities tab on the bottom menu is replaced by the contacts tab in testing versions. Communities remain reachable via filters located inside the main conversation tab.
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