WhatsApp is working on redesigning its application to conform with Material Design 3 guidelines and has plans to enhance certain existing features to improve the user experience. One of these features is the “about” section, which may be rebranded as “Status” in the future.
In an upcoming WhatsApp beta for Android update (version 2.23.20.12), a new option called “Add Status” will be introduced in the app settings. According to WABetaInfo, this feature will allow users to set durations for their text status updates, such as 24 hours, 3 days, 1 week, or 2 weeks. When the selected timeframe expires, the text status will automatically disappear from the user’s profile. Users will also have the flexibility to update the duration as needed.
This feature aims to benefit users who may forget to update their “about” section, ensuring that outdated or irrelevant information doesn’t linger on their profiles. It provides users with more control over their text status information without requiring additional effort.
It’s important to note that it’s uncertain whether this feature will entirely replace the “about” section or coexist with it.
WhatsApp is actively developing this improved “about” feature, which may be rolled out in a future app update. Further details about this feature will be shared as they become available.
In June, the Meta-owned service began implementing Material Design changes. This was done to distinguish itself from rival products and to gain more relevance in the U.S. market, where SMS/MMS/RCS and iMessage dominate. One of its recent efforts seems to be making their iOS and Android apps appear more similar than before.
Material Design is a design style introduced by Google in 2014. It consists of guidelines created by Google to enhance the appearance and user experience of Android apps by promoting consistent design principles. The latest iteration, known as Material You, represents a fresh approach to app design. It allows for dynamic personalisation, adapting the design to match the preferences of each user.
