WhatsApp Android beta gets a revamped UI for Status updates

WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.10.10 is available through the Google Play Beta Program. Speaking of new findings in the latest beta release, WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp has started testing a revamped user interface for the Status updates tray, which is available to some beta testers.

A screenshot shared by the website reveals a new layout for status updates with rectangular thumbnails, making it easier for users to preview status updates without opening each one of them. Each thumbnail mentions the name of the respective user or group and displays their profile picture in the top-left corner.

The website notes that WhatsApp's horizontal system tray layout has attracted negative feedback from several users, who found browsing through status updates time-consuming and inconvenient. Now, WhatsApp is trying to make up for it by "reintroducing a thumbnail preview for status updates."

The updated system tray UI remains at the top of the Updates tab. It sits above WhatsApp Channels which now supports features like polls, voice updates, and up to 16 admins. There is no word on the official release of the redesigned status tray but the website says it will roll out to more users in the coming weeks.

While WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.10.10 is labeled as a compatible update, it said, some users might be able to test the feature by installing the previous beta update. Meanwhile, the feature has been in development at least since February this year, when it was discovered in WhatsApp's Android beta version 2.24.4.23.

WhatsApp has been readying other features related to status updates in recent months. It's working on the ability to post status updates from companion devices and share high-quality photos and videos as status updates. Apart from that, the instant messaging app recently introduced several features such as an event planner for Communities, upgraded race car emoji, passkeys on iOS, and more.