WhatsApp Dark Mode: What has been the recent leaks around the Dark Mode

WhatsApp’s Dark Mode has been a feature that’s been talked about for some time now. So much so, that it’s not a secret anymore. Rather, it’s become a foregone conclusion that the world’s biggest instant messaging platform will soon get a standalone Dark Mode, that not only saves battery but also makes it look great.

Over the last few months, we’ve seen a number of screenshots of the feature, but the feature has still remained unreleased for the general audience. While there have been confirmations, however, despite the confirmations, there has been no word on when exactly the Dark Mode will make its way to smartphones.

But even as we await the official release of the feature, we have received a good amount of information about the feature and how it will look once released for the public.

Here’s what the latest leaks say about the upcoming feature on WhatsApp.

Theme Settings

A recent beta update of WhatsApp for Android brought with it a new section called Theme Settings. Under this, WhatsApp will have the Dark and the Light Theme. There is also a System Default mode, which would basically be the same theme you have been using for the rest of your phone. It is also interesting to note that this feature could be called Night Theme.

The Dark mode has been spotted multiple times in the WhatsApp beta update release, has now been made compatible with calls and Status section. It has been enabled for the Chats list too. The action buttons will also reportedly soon get the Dark mode.

First images of WhatsApp Dark Mode on iPhone

A few weeks ago, we also got a taste of what the feature will look like on iPhones. This happened when WaBetaInfo posted a photo of an iPhone running WhatsApp in Dark Mode. As seen in the image, WhatsApp app is seen in dark black colour, fitting in with iOS 13’s Dark Mode.

While the image of the app has been leaked, WABetaInfo has claimed that the feature still needs a lot of work. In an earlier report it has pointed out some labels and cells background needed more optimisation for a darker theme.

VoIP screen and avatar placeholders get Dark Mode elements

A recent beta update also hinted that the feature is closer to roll-out than expected, with latest leaks appearing to show new avatar placeholders for the Dark Mode. There is also a new VoIP screen with dark elements that’s seen with the update.

WaBetaInfo report suggested that this screen surfaces once a user receives a WhatsApp call. While the updates are interesting, the new changes are part of WhatsApp’s beta version for Android and aren’t visible to the public.

The report further stated that the Dark Mode-focussed changes exist in the WhatsApp beta version 2.19.354 for Android. There are also avatar images for broadcasts, individual profiles, and groups with a grey background — all features visible to users once the Dark Mode is enabled.