WhatsApp could soon give Android users more ways to personalise the appearance of their conversations. The messaging platform is reportedly testing an expanded chat theme and wallpaper experience, which could introduce new categories, animated backgrounds, gallery-based wallpapers and even AI-generated designs.

The reported changes are being tested in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.37.6, which means users should not assume that every feature described in the test will immediately become available in the stable version of the app.

Beta features can be changed, delayed or removed before a wider release. However, the testing suggests that WhatsApp is exploring a much broader approach to chat customisation.

WhatsApp Could Introduce Five Theme Categories

One of the biggest changes reportedly being tested is a redesigned theme picker.

Instead of presenting wallpapers as a simple collection, WhatsApp could organise its customisation options into different categories, making it easier for users to find a visual style that suits them.

The reported categories include:

• Featured: A selection of highlighted or recommended designs.
• Nature: Backgrounds inspired by forests, mountains, oceans and other natural scenery.
• Live: Animated wallpapers featuring subtle movement.
• Minimal: Clean and simple backgrounds designed for users who prefer a less distracting interface.
• Doodle: Wallpapers featuring the familiar doodle-style patterns associated with WhatsApp.

Such an arrangement could make navigating a large wallpaper collection much easier than scrolling through numerous unrelated designs.

Live Wallpapers Could Bring Movement to Chats

The reported Live category is particularly interesting because it could introduce animated backgrounds to WhatsApp conversations.

Rather than displaying a completely static picture behind messages, these wallpapers could feature subtle movement or visual effects.

WhatsApp may also use a dedicated indicator or badge on wallpaper previews so users can distinguish an animated wallpaper from an ordinary static image before applying it.

If introduced widely, the feature would provide another way to personalise chats without changing the actual content or functionality of conversations.

Because the feature is still associated with beta testing, its final design and behaviour could differ when or if it reaches the stable app.

Users May Be Able to Choose Photos From Their Gallery

WhatsApp's expanded wallpaper system could also make it easier for users to use their own photographs as chat backgrounds.

Instead of being restricted to WhatsApp's built-in collection, users may be able to select an image directly from their smartphone gallery and apply it as a wallpaper.

This could allow people to use family photographs, travel pictures, landscapes, artwork or other personal images to create a more individual chat experience.

Users should, however, consider readability when selecting a personal image. A highly detailed or extremely bright photograph could make messages harder to see unless the app automatically adjusts other visual elements.

AI-Generated Wallpapers Could Offer Another Option

Another feature reportedly being explored is the ability to create AI-generated wallpapers.

If implemented, users may be able to describe the kind of background they want and use artificial intelligence to generate a customised image instead of selecting an existing wallpaper.

For example, someone could potentially request a particular visual style, landscape or colour combination and receive a newly generated background.

The exact availability, supported regions and requirements for such an AI feature would depend on WhatsApp's eventual rollout plans.

Therefore, users should treat AI wallpaper creation as a feature under development rather than something guaranteed to appear immediately on every Android device.

Chat Themes and Wallpapers May Work Separately

WhatsApp could also give users more control by separating chat themes from wallpapers.

This would mean that someone who likes the colours and overall appearance of an existing theme may be able to keep it while changing only the background image.

Similarly, users could potentially experiment with different visual combinations without having to replace every element of their chosen theme.

This separation could make WhatsApp's personalisation system significantly more flexible.

Message Bubble Colours Could Adapt Automatically

Changing a wallpaper can sometimes create readability problems. A message bubble that looks clear against one background may become difficult to read against another.

The new customisation system could address this by automatically adjusting message bubble colours according to the selected theme or wallpaper.

The aim would be to maintain sufficient visual contrast whether a user selects a bright, dark, colourful or detailed background.

WhatsApp may also provide additional control over bubble colours, although the exact options available in the final release could change during development.

How Can Users Get the New WhatsApp Themes?

The most important point is that the reported features are currently linked to beta testing and should not be treated as a universal WhatsApp rollout.

Even beta users may not necessarily receive every experimental feature at the same time because WhatsApp can enable new functions gradually for selected accounts.

Users on the regular stable version should keep WhatsApp updated through their device's official app store and wait for an official rollout rather than installing unofficial APK files from unknown websites.

If the expanded customisation tools eventually reach the stable version, they are expected to appear within WhatsApp's theme or chat appearance settings.

Don't Download Unofficial Apps Just to Get New Features

Whenever a new WhatsApp feature attracts attention, unofficial applications and modified APK files often claim to provide early access.

Users should be cautious with such downloads.

Installing WhatsApp-related software from unknown sources can create privacy and security risks. It is safer to use the official WhatsApp application and wait until new features are made available through legitimate updates.

WhatsApp Is Giving More Attention to Personalisation

The reported theme update indicates that WhatsApp is exploring ways to make conversations visually more personal.

Five organised theme categories, animated wallpapers, personal gallery images, AI-generated backgrounds and adaptive message bubble colours could provide users with considerably more control over how their chats look.

For now, however, these additions should be described as features being tested rather than confirmed options for every WhatsApp user.

Those interested in the new experience should keep the official app updated and watch for a wider release instead of assuming that the options will immediately appear on their phones.