WhatsApp may soon let you set a custom chat theme on iOS

WhatsApp could soon roll out a new customization feature for iOS users. According to a feature tracker, the instant messaging platform has now started shipping a chat theme feature that will allow them to choose from multiple options of chat colors and backgrounds to add some variety to their messaging experience. This feature was first spotted in August, when Meta’s platform was reportedly still working on it. Some users have reportedly seen this feature on their devices. It is said that it was a limited release at the time, but more users could get it in the coming weeks.

WhatsApp may introduce a chat theme for iOS users

According to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, chat theme was featured in the WhatsApp for iOS 24.20.71 update on the App Store. While the feature hasn’t added anything significant for most users, the feature tracker claims that some users have noticed a new chat theme feature in the app. A screenshot of the interface was also shared.

WhatsApp chat theme
Photo credit: WABetaInfo

Based on the screenshot, users can play with the new two-element chat theme customization option. The first is the chat color, which includes the bubble colors, the area under the text field, and the header space. The second is the chat background, the area where text messages appear.

The feature tracker highlighted that there are 20 chat color options, including a host of popular pastel colors, and 22 backgrounds with unique designs and patterns. WhatsApp users on iOS can select one chat theme for all chats or choose specific themes for specific contacts as indicated in the message. It is not clear whether users can add external backgrounds or not.

However, it is said that unlike DMs on Instagram, adding a chat theme does not affect the recipient’s side. So this is purely an on-device feature and all users can select a chat theme of their preference without imposing the choice on other users.