WhatsApp May Move Channels to Chats Tab in New Interface Test

WhatsApp is testing a significant change to the way Channels are displayed, with the messaging platform exploring options to move them from the current Updates tab into the main Chats section.

The feature is still under development and is being tested for both Android and iOS. It has not yet been released to beta testers, meaning the final design could still change before a public rollout.

WhatsApp Tests Three Channel Layouts

According to reports, WhatsApp is experimenting with three different ways of displaying Channels inside the Chats tab.

The first option would place Channels directly alongside users' regular conversations. A dedicated Channels filter at the top of the screen could allow users to quickly separate channel content from personal chats.

The second design would keep Channels out of the main chat inbox. Users would need to select the dedicated Channels section to view their followed channels.

The third option would create a separate Channels folder within the Chats interface. This would give users a dedicated location for followed channels while also providing access to new channels they may want to discover.

Users Could Choose Where Channels Appear

WhatsApp is also developing a migration system that could give users some control over the transition.

One possible option would move followed Channels into the Chats list, while another would automatically archive them. Users could later move archived Channels into the Chats area if they prefer.

This approach could allow WhatsApp to test the new interface without forcing every user to organize their Channels in the same way.

Why Is WhatsApp Changing the Updates Tab?

WhatsApp currently uses the Updates tab for Status updates and Channels. The company has already started moving Status updates toward the Chats interface for some users.

If Channels also move to Chats, the Updates tab could eventually be removed or repurposed.

Reports indicate that WhatsApp is considering a new Contacts tab that could replace the existing Updates section. The proposed Contacts area could provide users with information about their contacts, including online activity and other details.

Changes Coming to Both Android and iPhone

The Channels migration is reportedly being developed for both major mobile platforms.

On Android, the feature was spotted in development in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.39.1. A similar feature has also been identified in the iOS beta, showing that WhatsApp is exploring a broader redesign rather than a change limited to one platform.

However, the feature is still experimental and isn't currently available as a standard WhatsApp feature.

What Will Happen to Channels?

The final arrangement has not yet been confirmed by WhatsApp.

The company is testing different layouts to determine how Channels can be integrated into the Chats section without making the main conversation list difficult to navigate.

Keeping Channels separate could provide a cleaner chat inbox, while placing them more prominently could make followed channels easier to access. The final design will depend on the approach WhatsApp chooses for the public release.

WhatsApp Could Introduce a New Contacts Tab

Moving Channels and Status away from the Updates tab could allow WhatsApp to introduce a dedicated Contacts section.

Recent reports indicate that WhatsApp is also developing features for this potential Contacts tab, including birthday reminders based on information already stored in a user's phone contacts.

This suggests the Channels experiment could be part of a larger redesign of WhatsApp's bottom navigation and overall interface.

When Will the New Design Arrive?

WhatsApp has not announced an official release date for the new Channels layout.

The feature remains under development, and the three layouts currently being tested could change or be replaced before WhatsApp makes a final decision.

For now, users should continue to access Channels through the existing Updates section unless the new interface becomes available on their account.

Final Thoughts

WhatsApp appears to be preparing a broader redesign of its navigation system. Moving Channels into the Chats tab could make them easier to access, while a new Contacts tab could give the app's navigation a different purpose.

With multiple configurations still being tested on Android and iOS, the final user interface is not yet known. More details are expected as WhatsApp continues its beta development.