WhatsApp Tests New iPhone Navigation Bar Removing Status Tab for Cleaner Interface

WhatsApp is testing a significant redesign of its iOS app navigation bar, which includes removing the long-standing "Status" tab and replacing it with a new "Contacts" tab. This change aims to streamline the user experience by consolidating statuses and channels directly into the chat list, creating a cleaner and faster interface. The update was reported by WABetaInfo on June 30, 2026.

The new Contacts tab will feature users' favorite contacts at the top, followed by a full list that can be sorted alphabetically or by recent activity. When sorted by activity, a green dot will appear next to contacts currently online, while respecting privacy settings by not displaying users who have hidden their status. This redesign follows earlier updates that moved statuses to the top of the chat list and channels into a dedicated filter within the Chats tab, leaving the Status tab redundant.

WhatsApp is also aligning this iOS update with similar tests underway on Android, aiming to unify the design and navigation across both platforms. The company intends to enhance accessibility to active contacts and improve overall app organization. The update remains in development and is expected to roll out gradually to all users in the coming months as part of WhatsApp's efforts to optimize the messaging experience.