WhatsApp is preparing to make important structural changes in the bottom navigation bar in order to make the iOS user experience more functional. The most notable innovation in the development phase is the plan to integrate a new ‘Contacts’ tab into the main navigation bar, which will provide direct access to the users’ contacts.

With this update, the aim is to move the functionality of the existing ‘Updates’ tab to the ‘Chats’ area, thus freeing up space in the interface. This feature, which is currently only in the testing phase and is not yet available to beta users, stands out as a part of WhatsApp’s effort to standardize the user experience on Android and iOS platforms.

This strategic change shows that the popular messaging application will transition to a more modern interface structure centered on contact management.

WhatsApp Moves Updates Tab to Chats

WhatsApp had already moved status updates to the top of the chat list on the iOS application, thus transforming user habits into a format similar to the Instagram story structure.

Now, we are working on integrating the channels into the Chats tab in the same way. Moving these two contents will leave the existing ‘Updates’ tab non-functional. By taking advantage of this gap, application developers aim to improve the access to guides that users frequently need.

New People Tab Improves User Experience

The People tab being developed is designed with a structure that will allow users to quickly reach their favorite contacts.

It is stated that the full guide will be displayed at the bottom of the list and users can sort this list alphabetically or by activity status. In the sort by activity option, a green dot will appear next to users who are online.
This visual marking in the application will make it easier for users to understand who they can contact at that moment.

Due to the privacy-oriented approach, users who hide their status information will not appear in this special activity list.

Android and iOS Platforms Return to a Common Structure

It is known that WhatsApp is working on a similar navigation change not only for iOS but also on Android. Although different configurations were initially tested, such as removing the Meta AI tab or canceling the Updates tab, the final decision seems to be to remove the Updates tab.

This lays the foundation for a more balanced and user-friendly navigation structure for both operating systems. The application goes through an intensive testing process to minimize the risk of bugs before being released to beta users.

What do you think about this new navigation structure and Contacts tab of WhatsApp? Do you think this change will make the application more useful? You can share your ideas with us in the comments section below.