WhatsApp is testing a new Settings menu for Android that groups options into rounded sections, making Account, Privacy and Notifications easier to find. The redesign is spotted in beta version 2.26.43.3 and follows Google’s Material Design 3 guidelines. No release date has been announced, and the feature is not yet available to regular users.
Visit the official WhatsApp website →
What changed
The upcoming interface replaces the current single‑list layout with visually distinct groups that have rounded corners. Each group—such as Account, Privacy, and Notifications—will be separated from the next, giving users clearer visual boundaries. The design draws on Google’s Material Design 3 Expressive system, which emphasizes spacing, shape and visual hierarchy. The change is purely cosmetic; underlying settings and privacy controls remain the same.
Who gets it and when
The redesign is currently visible only in the Android beta build 2.26.43.3, as reported by WABetaInfo. It has not been released to public beta testers, and WhatsApp has not provided an official rollout schedule. Android users can expect the feature to appear only after further development and testing, likely via a future update on the Google Play Store.
How to use it
If the redesign reaches your device, using it will be straightforward:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the three‑dot menu.
- Select Settings. The menu will display rounded sections instead of a continuous list.
- Tap any group—Account, Privacy, Notifications, etc.—to expand or access its options.
- Navigate as usual; the new layout only changes visual grouping, not functionality.
What it means if you are choosing WhatsApp
The redesign aims to make everyday navigation smoother, especially for users who find the current list view cumbersome. It does not add new privacy or security features, so the decision to stick with WhatsApp should still consider its existing strengths—end‑to‑end encryption, wide user base, and cross‑platform support. If visual clarity is a priority, the upcoming change is a plus. However, users who prefer a more minimalist interface or who need advanced customization might look at alternatives like Signal, which offers a consistently simple settings layout, or Telegram, which provides extensive customization options.
FAQ
Will the new Settings menu add any new privacy controls?
No. The redesign only alters the visual presentation of existing settings; privacy options such as profile visibility and two‑step verification remain unchanged.
Can I enable the rounded Settings menu now?
Not yet. The feature is still under development and has not been made available to regular beta testers, so it cannot be turned on manually.
Will the redesign affect other parts of the app?
WhatsApp is also exploring changes to the bottom navigation bar and chat bar, but those are separate projects and have not been confirmed for release alongside the Settings redesign.
Bottom line
WhatsApp’s 2026 Android update promises a cleaner Settings menu with rounded sections, improving visual organization without altering functionality. The change is still in beta, with no public rollout date, so Android users should keep their app updated but not expect immediate access. If you value a tidier settings experience, the redesign is a welcome tweak; otherwise, the core app experience remains unchanged.
Sources
Full guide: WhatsApp Not Working? Quick Fixes and When to Seek Help (2026) — plans, prices and alternatives.