WhatsApp Has Developed Shared Chat Themes

The new feature allows users to sync custom wallpaper and chat bubble colors within conversations.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Internet

Bold vector editorial illustration of two rounded cylinders side-by-side, representing synchronized messaging themes.
WhatsApp is developing a new feature that enables users to synchronize custom wallpapers and chat bubble themes across their private conversations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you choose to synchronize your chat themes with friends if the option were available?

WhatsApp is currently developing a feature that enables users to synchronize chat themes and wallpapers across their conversations. This update, spotted in an iOS beta, allows for a more unified appearance between chat participants.

Why it matters

The addition of shared themes provides users with more granular control over the visual presentation of their private communications. By enabling coordinated aesthetics, WhatsApp aims to enhance the personalization options available within its messaging interface.

The beta update, version 26.37.10.16, introduces support for importing custom device photos as wallpapers. Additionally, WhatsApp is currently testing five distinct theme categories specifically for its Android platform users.

The players

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a widely used global messaging platform that provides encrypted communication services for mobile and desktop devices.

The details

Users can opt to sync a theme for both participants or keep the visual settings visible only to themselves. When a theme change occurs, the app will generate a system message to identify which participant updated the shared look.

Timeline

  1. The beta feature discovery was reported on September 21, 2026.

The Tech Race

The move to synchronize themes follows the established security model of WhatsApp end-to-end encryption to ensure that shared customization data remains private. This update highlights a broader industry shift toward deeper personalization within secure messaging apps to maintain competitive differentiation.

Users will gain the ability to customize the appearance of their chats, creating a more personalized messaging environment. Once the feature is released, individuals will be able to coordinate their bubble colors and background visuals directly through the app interface.

The takeaway

This development marks a shift toward highly personalized messaging experiences that prioritize user choice. Readers should watch for future app updates to see when these visual customization tools become available on their devices.

Further reading

For more background on how digital communication tools are evolving, visit the Internet section.

Live Poll

Would you choose to synchronize your chat themes with friends if the option were available?