WhatsApp May Soon Get New Chat Themes with Animated Wallpapers and Smarter Customization
- byManasavi
- 06 Aug, 2026
WhatsApp is reportedly working on a major visual refresh that could give users more ways to personalize their chats. The upcoming update is expected to introduce new chat themes, animated wallpapers, and an improved customization experience, allowing users to give conversations a fresh look without changing the app's core functionality.
According to recent reports, the messaging platform is developing a redesigned theme system that will organize wallpapers into multiple categories, making it easier for users to find a style that matches their preferences. The feature is currently under development and is expected to arrive for beta testers before a wider public rollout.
WhatsApp Preparing a New Chat Theme Experience
WhatsApp has consistently added customization options over the past few months, including chat bubble colors and wallpaper settings. Now, the company appears to be taking personalization a step further by introducing an expanded collection of chat themes.
A report from WABetaInfo suggests that the feature was spotted in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.31.2, available through the Google Play Beta Program. The update hints at a redesigned interface where users can browse themes grouped into dedicated categories instead of selecting wallpapers individually.
The new layout is expected to simplify the customization process while giving chats a more modern appearance.
Themes Will Be Divided into Three Categories
The upcoming feature is said to include three primary theme collections:
Featured Themes
The Featured section is expected to showcase WhatsApp's recommended themes, highlighting visually appealing wallpapers and newly introduced designs. These themes may receive regular updates as new styles become available.
Doodle Themes
The Doodle category is likely to bring back WhatsApp's familiar classic doodle wallpapers that many long-time users already recognize. These wallpapers are expected to recreate the traditional WhatsApp chat appearance while allowing users to apply them as complete chat themes.
For users who enjoy the app's iconic design, this category could offer a nostalgic experience without sacrificing modern customization features.
Minimal Themes
WhatsApp is also reportedly preparing a Minimal category for users who prefer a clean and distraction-free interface.
Unlike other themes, these designs are expected to avoid complex patterns and animated elements. Instead, they will focus on simple backgrounds that keep the conversation easy to read while maintaining a neat and uncluttered appearance.
This option could appeal to users who spend long hours messaging and prefer a less visually busy interface.
Chat Bubble Colors May Adjust Automatically
Another notable addition could make chat customization even more convenient.
Reports suggest that once a user selects a chat theme, WhatsApp will automatically choose a matching chat bubble color to complement the selected wallpaper. This eliminates the need to manually adjust color settings every time a new theme is applied.
However, users will still have the flexibility to replace the automatically selected color with another option if they prefer a different look.
The automatic color-matching system is expected to create a more consistent and visually balanced chat experience.
Feature Still Under Development
At present, the new chat themes are still being developed and are not yet available to all users.
WhatsApp is expected to release the feature first through its Android beta program, where testers will be able to try the new customization options before the company begins a wider rollout.
There is currently no official confirmation regarding when the feature will become available for stable Android, iPhone, or desktop users.
As with many WhatsApp beta features, the final design and functionality may change before the public release.
WhatsApp Continues to Expand Personalization Features
The upcoming chat themes are part of WhatsApp's broader effort to improve the overall user experience through enhanced personalization.
In recent months, the platform has introduced several new features aimed at making conversations more interactive and convenient. These include support for customizable chat colors, improved calling tools, and enhancements across multiple devices.
The addition of organized theme categories and animated wallpapers could further strengthen WhatsApp's position as a messaging platform that combines functionality with personalization.
Web Calling Already Available
While the new chat themes are still in development, WhatsApp recently rolled out another significant feature for desktop users.
The platform now supports audio and video calling directly through WhatsApp Web, allowing users to place calls from their PCs and laptops without relying solely on the mobile app.
Alongside web calling, WhatsApp has also introduced features such as call transfer and a waiting room, expanding its communication capabilities across devices.
With several visual and functional updates in the pipeline, WhatsApp continues to enhance its messaging platform with features designed to improve both convenience and customization for users worldwide.



