WhatsApp is working on a new feature for the app that will allow users to choose a default theme for the app. This theme will be independent of the phone’s theme settings. As of now, the WhatsApp theme syncs with the phone’s default theme. So if the device is on a dark theme, the app also becomes dark, and if the phone’s settings are on a light theme, WhatsApp also runs the same theme. However, with the upcoming features, users will be able to customize the theme for the app individually.

The feature is still in beta and has been spotted by WABetaInfo. It is part of the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.18.6 update. There is no timeline on when this feature will be rolled out to the stable version. However, users running WhatsApp on the beta version will now be able to see the feature in Settings.

WABetaInfo has also shared a screenshot of the upcoming feature. With the feature rolling out, WhatsApp will get a new look by updating its signature green colour in two different themes. In the light theme, the familiar green will be replaced with black, giving the app a sleek, modern, and minimalist look. On the other hand, in the dark theme, the primary colour will change to white, creating a bold contrast that not only enhances readability but also adds a contemporary edge to the overall aesthetic of the app.

A similar feature was spotted last month as well. According to the report, WhatsApp is developing chat themes, which allow iPhone users to choose from five preset colours for their chat bubbles and wallpapers, including the classic green, white, blue, pink, and purple. Additionally, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a feature to change the app’s accent colour, offering the same colour options as chat themes, allowing in-app buttons to be customised. Although these features are not yet publicly available, their presence in the beta indicates a possible upcoming release.

In April this year, WhatsApp started going green. No, not for environmental conservation. The text, bubbles and accents on the app all turned green. For iPhone users in particular, this happened overnight. This was not a change that was demanded by users, and there was a lot of discussion about it on social media.

These new customization options could put WhatsApp in a more favorable position against competitors such as Telegram, which already offers a wide range of personalization features. By giving users more control over the look of the app, WhatsApp aims to attract and retain those who prefer a personalized messaging experience.