WhatsApp has introduced five new chat theme categories, including live wallpapers, giving users more options to customise the look and feel of their conversations.
The popular messaging platform has added a range of new designs, wallpapers and colour combinations under the new chat theme categories, according to reports.
The feature was initially introduced on iOS with version 26.33.73 and is now being rolled out to Android users through version 2.26.37.6. Android users can access the update through the Google Play Store.
The five new categories are Featured, Nature, Live, Minimal and Doodle. Featured includes selected designs from other categories, while Nature offers backgrounds inspired by deserts, forests, mountains and beaches.
The Live category features animated wallpapers that move slowly in the background of chats. WhatsApp has deliberately kept the animations subtle to ensure text remains easy to read and does not create accessibility issues. A small badge on each Live wallpaper thumbnail will also help users identify animated backgrounds.
Minimal offers simple, light designs, while Doodle features patterned wallpapers similar to the style used in WhatsApp’s default wallpaper.
Users who do not want to change an entire chat theme can also customise only the chat background or wallpaper. WhatsApp is introducing separate wallpaper categories, including two new options — Vibrant and Gradient. Vibrant features bold, bright designs, while Gradient offers wallpapers combining different colours.
Users can also select an image from their phone gallery to use as a chat wallpaper if they do not find a suitable option among the available designs. An AI-powered option for creating new wallpapers will also be available.
The app will automatically select a suitable colour for chat bubbles based on the chosen theme or wallpaper to keep text clear and readable. Users, however, will have the option to manually change the automatically selected colour according to their preference.
Read also: WhatsApp Introduces Five New Chat Theme Categories
