WhatsApp has already stated that it is working on adding support for chat themes, and a feature tracker has now shared a preview of what the functionality may look like when it is implemented.
The messaging app is expected to allow users to modify the color of the chat bubbles and background using predefined themes, or they can choose their color and wallpaper. The company was also found working on the option to select a username and create a PIN to protect themselves from unknown WhatsApp users.
Earlier this month, feature tracker WABetaInfo spotted a new theme picker menu in development on an earlier beta version of WhatsApp for Android. While the picker did not feature any themes in that version, the WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.17.10.71 previews several of these themes.
According to the feature tracker, when the functionality will officially rolled out, WhatsApp users will have a choice of ten theme options. Some images of the theme picker in action show two horizontally scrolling rows of themes. The top row features solid color backgrounds, while the bottom row features landscape art-inspired themes, with chat bubble colors depending on the color of the background.
It’s important to note that the theme selector isn’t currently available to beta testers because it’s still in development, so even if you’ve installed the most recent beta version of WhatsApp for iOS via TestFlight, you’ll have to wait until the feature is ready to be tested. WABetaInfo reports that these themes will only be visible to the user who applies them, as opposed to Instagram and Messenger, where all chat participants view the same theme.
Additionally, WhatsApp has been working on a username feature that will allow users to initiate new conversations without providing their phone numbers, but it has yet to be released to beta testers. It appears that the company is currently developing a tool to safeguard users from unknown contact when they select a username.
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According to WABetaInfo, the recently released WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.18.2 update contains information about an advanced “Username PIN” selector. Users will reportedly be prompted to set up a PIN after creating a unique account on WhatsApp.
According to the WhatsApp feature tracker, this feature allows users to create a new passcode that they must share with others to initiate a new discussion using their newly assigned username. This would give users control over who may send them messages, potentially preventing spammers and unwanted chats from reaching them.
