WhatsApp is reportedly preparing to expand its customisation features to the web version, with a new update that could allow users to personalise chats using themes. The move is expected to bring the desktop experience closer to what users already enjoy on mobile devices.
All about the new features
The upcoming feature is said to include a broad palette of choices, with up to 49 different colour options available. These themes are not limited to simple background changes. Instead, they are expected to combine wallpapers, chat bubble colours, and overall interface styling to create a more cohesive and visually distinct look for conversations.
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Users will be able to select a default theme that changes the appearance of both the chat background and message bubbles. This would mark a shift from the current, more uniform design of WhatsApp Web.
How does it improve the current experience
At present, customisation on WhatsApp Web remains quite basic. Users can change chat wallpapers and apply doodle overlays, but the rest of the interface, especially message bubbles, stays largely unchanged. With the introduction of chat themes, this limitation could be addressed. The feature is expected to automatically adjust message bubble colours in line with the selected theme, offering a more polished and personalised interface. This change could make conversations easier to navigate visually, especially for users managing multiple chats.
Chat-level personalisation
A key highlight of the reported update is the ability to apply themes at an individual chat level. This means users could assign different themes to different conversations, such as work chats, personal messages, or group discussions.
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This level of customisation may help users quickly distinguish between chats at a glance, improving usability without altering the core messaging experience.
Importantly, these themes are expected to remain private. Any visual changes made by a user will only be visible on their own screen and will not affect how the conversation appears to others.
Still in development
The feature is currently under development and has not yet been rolled out to beta testers. While there is no confirmed release date, its appearance signals an ongoing effort to enhance the web platform and align it more closely with the mobile app’s capabilities. Chat themes could make WhatsApp Web more engaging and flexible, offering users greater control over how their conversations look while maintaining the simplicity the platform is known for.
