WhatsApp Overhauls Main Screen, Moves Channels Feature to Chats

WhatsApp is reportedly undergoing a significant redesign of its main interface, aiming to integrate its "Channels" feature directly into the primary chat tab. This move, coupled with the ongoing migration of status updates to the top of the conversations screen for some users, signals WhatsApp's intention to phase out the "Updates" tab. In its place, a new "Contacts" tab is expected, designed to help users quickly identify who is currently online and available.

To manage potential visual clutter, WhatsApp is developing a smart switching tool. This will give users control over how they view channels, allowing them to either integrate them directly into their chat list, archive them automatically, or keep their chat screen entirely clear of channel content. Developers are currently testing three distinct display configurations for channels within the chat screen: full integration alongside private chats with a filter button, hiding channels within the main chat folder accessible only via a dedicated filter, or creating a separate "Channels" folder within the chat screen.

The new features are in advanced development for Android, with the final configuration yet to be determined. The update is expected to roll out gradually to beta testers before a wider public release.

In parallel, WhatsApp is also altering its business policies. Starting October 1, 2026, Meta will eliminate the free service window for business accounts. Previously, businesses could respond to customer inquiries within a 24-hour "service window" without charge. From that date forward, all service messages, whether sent by a human agent or an external bot, will incur a fee per message. In Israel, this fee will be tied to "Utility" messages and will be approximately $0.0053 (about 2 Israeli agorot) per message.