WhatsApp Planning This Change for the Floating Action Button on Android
WhatsApp for Android is poised to undergo significant design enhancements and visual updates in an effort to enhance the app's appeal to its users. Recent reports suggest that the widely-used messaging platform is actively working on introducing a bottom navigation bar and a revamped Context Menu specifically for Android. Furthermore, it appears that the Action Button may also receive some visual changes. Continue reading to learn more about these updates.
According to a report from WABetaInfo, the messaging behemoth owned by Meta is planning to redesign the floating Action Button with support for Material You theming. This floating Action Button, located in the bottom right corner of the app, enables users to initiate new chats instantly. This overhaul is part of the latest WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.23.12.15.

The accompanying screenshot provides a side-by-side comparison between the current version and the prospective change to the Action Button. As evident, the upcoming update will transform the circular icon into a rounded square icon, commonly referred to as a "squircle." Additionally, the icon is expected to align with Android's Material Design 3 guidelines.
It is worth noting that this design change will not be limited solely to the floating Action Button. The buttons within the call and status bars are also expected to adhere to the same theming principle. It is worth mentioning that WhatsApp has also been testing a Material You-based toggle, which Android users have eagerly awaited. With these various UI/UX enhancements, it seems that Meta is genuinely attentive to the feedback of its user base.
At present, this feature is still under development and not yet available to beta testers. However, we anticipate that some beta users will have the opportunity to experience this implementation in the near future, with a wider beta rollout likely in the coming weeks. The public availability of this design overhaul has not been confirmed at this time.
We will keep you informed about the latest developments as they unfold, so stay tuned. We invite you to share your thoughts on the redesigned Action Button for Android by leaving a comment below.