Meta's instant messaging platform WhatsApp is introducing an exciting new feature aimed at enhancing user experience by making it easier to identify contacts and groups at a glance.
In an upcoming update, WhatsApp will replace the current dull grey icons with vibrant, colourful themed icons for individual contacts and group chats.
At present, the default grey icons for contacts, groups, and communities provide a uniform appearance, especially for users without profile photos. While this creates a clean look, it often complicates quick identification of contacts or groups.
The new feature, spotted by WABetaInfo, will address this limitation by introducing unique, colour-coded icons for each contact and group chat, allowing users to easily distinguish between them without opening each conversation.
This update draws inspiration from the Android stock app’s address book, where each contact is represented by a distinct, colour-coded icon.
For contacts who have not set a profile picture or have opted to hide it for privacy reasons, WhatsApp will assign a default, vibrant themed icon. These icons will be characterised by a specific colour scheme, enabling users to easily identify contacts, even if their names are similar or they lack photos.
Similarly, group chats and communities will also benefit from this update. If a group lacks a profile image or shares the same name with others, the distinct themed icons will help users quickly recognise which group they are interacting with, eliminating the need to sift through multiple chats.
Currently under development, this new feature is expected to roll out in a future update. However, WhatsApp beta testers using the latest Android beta version (2.24.24.12) can already access the feature, which is available for download from the Google Play Store.
WhatsApp users will have to wait a little longer to enjoy this feature, but once it is officially launched, it is likely to bring a much-needed visual refresh to the app, enhancing usability and streamlining chat navigation.
