WhatsApp is testing a new keyboard app for Android

WhatsApp developers are actively working on new features and changes for the messenger. Yesterday became knownthat animated emojis are planned to be added to the application, now there is news about the upcoming redesign of the keyboard in the Android client.

The update is still in development and is not available even for WhatsApp beta users. But WABetaInfo managed get a screenshot from the app version for internal testing.

The image shows that the panel for switching between keyboard modes has been moved to the top, and the ability to quickly switch to another emoji category has been removed altogether - at least in this version. Given that this may be uncomfortable for many, the switch may return after feedback from beta testers. It is also possible that the function simply did not have time to add to the keyboard.

The build also brought bad news for owners of older devices. It requires Android 5.0 or later to run - meaning Android 4.4 KitKat support is ending. This build is almost 10 years old, so most users won't be affected by the change.