Simplifying and efficient navigation plays a crucial role in enhancing app usability, particularly for applications like WhatsApp that are extensively utilized for business communication. Nevertheless, it seems that WhatsApp might be discontinuing the swipe gestures that contribute to the app’s swift and effortless navigation.
Reports from the latest beta version of WhatsApp, as observed by WABInfo, indicate this potential change. It’s important to note that this alteration is specific to the beta version, and users on the stable release won’t experience it. As with any beta feature, it’s advisable to approach this information with caution, as the company’s final decision remains uncertain.
As some users may have already noticed, WhatsApp just removed the ability to swipe between tabs with the new bottom navigation bar. Since this gesture doesn’t comply with Material Design 3 guidelines, I’m not sure if it will be available again in the future.
What do you think… pic.twitter.com/iDsYBRlwDP
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) August 3, 2023
In the current WhatsApp interface, primary navigation tabs (Communities, Chats, Status, and Calls) are positioned at the top. To swiftly switch between these tabs, users can simply swipe left or right on the user interface. However, it seems this convenience might be phased out. According to reports, the beta version 2.23.16.17 of the app no longer supports tab-switching through swiping.
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I should note that this change is not a deliberate move by WhatsApp but rather a result of its adherence to Android’s Material Design 3 guidelines. These guidelines discourage the implementation of swipeable gestures, prompting WhatsApp to consider removing this feature in order to align with Material Design 3’s principles.
While it’s uncertain if this change will be implemented in the stable version, it appears to be a likely scenario. The exact timeline for this alteration is unknown, so users who value the swipe gestures may need to exercise patience. Opting to delay app updates might be a temporary solution, although this approach has its limitations, as keeping an app outdated for an extended period isn’t advisable.
