WhatsApp confirms biggest change to app in years that's about to hit your phone

I don't remember the last time I sent an SMS text.

WhatsApp fully took over the instant messaging scene ever since it was first introduced on smartphones back in 2009.

Funnily enough, the co-owner named the application as 'WhatsApp' so it would sound like 'what's up', which - is safe to say - never really caught on.

Now owned by tech giant Meta, the app has recently announced some of its biggest changes to iPhone and Android in years.

WhatsApp has taken over the instant messaging scene. (Getty Stock Images)

New colour palette

Fans have been calling for a 'darker dark mode', and WhatsApp has made improvements to give the theme a higher contrast with deeper tones to 'reduce eye strain in low-light environments'.

Idit Yaniv, Head of WhatsApp Design at Meta, said: "We considered over 35 different colour iterations, ultimately aligning with WhatsApp’s iconic green and opting for a palette that allows for harmonious colour pairings throughout the app.

"We also increased the usage of neutral colours, enabling us to be more selective about where and how the green is used."

Dark mode is getting darker. (Meta)

Updating icons and illustrations

The tech company has also updated its icons 'to a more rounded, outlined style' to give off a more 'playful aesthetic'.

"We’re also refreshing the original default background in chats. We learned most people used the doodle, but there was an opportunity to make this even more unique and more related to everyday conversations," Yaniv added.

"Our team reviewed every piece of artwork in the doodle and explored new options that were simple in style and better represented a diverse set of people and objects."

How the app has looked over the years. (Meta)

Making navigation easier

Android devices in particular are getting a 'more modern, native bottom navigation bar' so that users can 'find what they need faster'.

Yaniv says that 'placing tabs closer to people’s thumbs offers more natural navigation and matches the current experience on Android devices'.

"Sending photos and videos on iOS is now also easier with a new attachment layout. Instead of a full screen menu, we added an expandable tray that allows you to see the features more clearly when sending media, polls, documents and more," she adds.

WhatsApp said it 'considered over 35 different colour iterations'. (Meta)

Better chat management

The head of design says that WhatsApp has now created 'better organisational tools for messages'.

"Recently, we introduced chat filters that help you focus on and find important conversations faster. Moving the navigation bar on Android to the bottom allowed us to design filters to be at the top of the chats list, so people can quickly find the right conversations without scrolling through their full inbox," she explains.

"Now, you can select between unread and group filters with just a tap to catch up on missed messages or your favourite group chats."

The tech giant explains there is no way to opt out of the update, and that everyone will eventually receive it as it's rolled out globally.