WhatsApp Introduces New Chat Themes for Android Beta Users

Ender Öztürk

September 18, 2026

WhatsApp has officially launched a highly anticipated update for its Android beta application, introducing a suite of new chat themes that promise to significantly enhance user personalization. Available starting with the WhatsApp beta version 2.26.37.6, the update allows users to choose from five distinct theme categories and a variety of customizable wallpaper options. By bringing these features to the Android ecosystem, Meta is aligning the platform’s personalization capabilities with those already enjoyed by iOS users. The new system is designed to automatically adjust message bubble colors based on the chosen background, ensuring that text remains perfectly legible without requiring manual intervention from the user.

Categories are Designed to Simplify Selection

To ensure that users can navigate the new interface with ease, WhatsApp has organized these themes into specific thematic groups. The ‘Featured’ category highlights the most popular and trending designs, while the ‘Nature’ section offers tranquil visuals, including forest, desert, and mountain landscapes. Furthermore, the ‘Minimal’ option provides a clean, distraction-free aesthetic for those who prefer simplicity, and the ‘Doodle’ category brings back the iconic patterns that many long-time users associate with the platform’s history. These curated categories allow for seamless switching, giving users the freedom to refresh their chat environment frequently.

Live Wallpapers Enhance the Visual Experience

One of the most notable additions in this update is the introduction of ‘Live’ wallpapers. These animated backgrounds add a layer of visual depth to conversations by moving slowly without disrupting the flow of text. WhatsApp has meticulously engineered these animations to ensure they remain subtle, preventing any potential distraction or eye strain. By carefully balancing the animation speed, the developers have ensured that the performance remains stable while maintaining optimal battery efficiency for mobile devices.

Wallpapers are Managed in Separate Sections

Beyond the comprehensive themes, WhatsApp has restructured the wallpaper settings into a dedicated, organized section. Users now have the flexibility to apply specific wallpapers independently of the chosen theme. This separation introduces new categories such as ‘Vibrant’ and ‘Gradient,’ which offer a wide spectrum of visual styles. The gradient options provide a modern, sleek appearance, while the vibrant selections cater to those who prefer bold, high-contrast color palettes to make their chats stand out.

Automatic Color Assignments Maintain Readability

A critical component of this update is the intelligent color management system. Regardless of the complexity of the wallpaper or theme chosen, WhatsApp automatically assigns a contrasting color to the message bubbles. This ensures that text legibility is never compromised, a common issue with custom backgrounds. While the system provides automated suggestions that work flawlessly, users still retain the authority to perform manual adjustments if they wish to fine-tune the aesthetics of their messaging experience.

Global Distribution Continues for Beta Testers

At this stage, the feature remains exclusive to a select group of beta testers who are helping to refine the experience. WhatsApp intends to expand access to a wider user base in the coming weeks. If you are enrolled in the beta program, you can verify your eligibility by checking for updates via the Google Play Store. Although an official launch date for the general public has not yet been announced, these improvements signal a major step forward in platform personalization.

How do you feel about these new personalization options arriving on WhatsApp? Which theme category are you most excited to try first? We invite you to share your thoughts and your favorite aesthetic choices in the comments section below.