WhatsApp rolls out dark mode

One of the most requested features in WhatsApp over the last couple of years -- the dark mode -- is finally available on Android. 

WhatsApp Inc on Tuesday shared a video on Twitter announcing the launch of dark mode with the caption, “Finally. Dark mode on WhatsApp.”

Finally. Dark mode on WhatsApp. #DarkMode pic.twitter.com/o4Ee5H7qpW

— WhatsApp Inc. (@WhatsApp) March 3, 2020

This development led to a meme fest on Twitter, wherein users shared how they viewed the dark mode as -- vis-a-vis, and quite funnily, their own life.

Users can now manually set dark mode for WhatsApp, or have the app match the system theme automatically.

“We are very excited to update WhatsApp with the most requested feature from our users everywhere – dark mode,” the instant messaging service announced on its blog.

It explains that it is designed to reduce eye strain in low light environments and possibly prevent the awkwardness of having your phone light up the room.

WhatsApp focussed on two areas in particular: readability by using colours closer to system defaults on iOS and Android phones, and information hierarchy, which utilises colour and other design elements to draw attention to important information.

Dark mode for iOS is purely black, while Android users get a shade of darker gray.

Users on Android 10 and iOS 13 will automatically get dark mode enabled on the app when they turn on dark mode in their phone system settings.

Those on Android 9 and below can enable it in the app by going into WhatsApp Settings, then to Chats, Theme, then selecting ‘Dark’.

Users will need to update their WhatsApp app to get this feature, which is currently being rolled out to all users.

-Agencies