WhatsApp on Android gets new navigation bar that's closer to your thumbs

WhatsApp has rolled out a new update on Android that makes navigating on the app better. The latest update brings the navigation bar within the app from top to bottom, making it in line with WhatsApp for iOS. However, the placement of tabs on the bar is still not the same and frankly not for right-handers.

WhatsApp on Android brings the top navigation bar to the bottom

WhatsApp took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm a new change on Android. The latest update of the app with version number 2.24.8.3 has an updated navigation bar that is now placed at the bottom. WhatsApp believes that it is now easier to navigate since it’s closer to our thumbs.

“android friends, we moved some things around to make it easier to access what you need, when you need it…meet your new navigation tools closer to your thumbs and easy on the eyes.”

Previously, the navigation bar was placed at the top and that design was unchanged for years.

While some people preferred the new change, others simply said that they did not like it.

Having the navigation bar at the bottom is better for navigation, indeed. However, the placement of tabs isn’t user-friendly, especially for right-handers. The Chats tab is placed at the left, whereas, the Communities and Updates tab is placed in the middle. The Calls tab goes to the right.

On iOS, the Chats tab is placed fourth from left to right, making it easier to open different chats. The Updates tab is at the left, whereas, the CallS and Communities tab is in the middle. That said, hope WhatsApp makes the placement of the tabs on Android more streamlined akin to iOS.

In other news about WhatsApp, the company was recently spotted testing the ability to set default media upload quality on Android. This option was spotted on WhatsApp beta for Android v 2.23.7.17.

As of now, to send an image in HD quality, users have to first select a photo from the gallery, then tap the HD setting, followed by selecting the HD resolution. Finally, send the image.

Now, however, on Android beta, the new feature allows users to select HD quality for media as default instead of the standard quality. This makes it easier to send HD photos and videos. If you are on Android beta, you can follow the steps here to set the default media upload quality on WhatsApp.