A beta version of WhatsApp UWP has been available for download
for a while now and it looks like it is getting a new update
with Windows 11 design features. Unlike the desktop version of
WhatsApp or WhatsApp web, the UWP version is based on WinUI and
XAML, and its scalable interface works on all form factors
running Windows 10 or newer.
WhatsApp UWP beta has been using Windows 10-era buttons or
menus, but the interface has finally changed with this week’s
update. The new WhatsApp UWP now follows the native UI of
Windows 11, so you can expect WinUI 2.6 controls for buttons
like “Delete” or “Delete for everyone”.
What else can you expect from this latest release? Although
WhatsApp UWP is still in beta and this update is a minor
release, there are a lot of minor design changes. For example,
notifications and accounts pages now use Windows 11-like
controls.
Likewise, the WhatsApp dialog box has been updated to use newer
controls. This new design change is visible across the WhatsApp
UWP client and it does look better on Windows 11. Other key
changes include WinUI 2.6 treatment for video calling and voice
call screen.
Unfortunately, there are no new features in this release and
WhatsApp updated look has only been released to match Windows
11’s transparent acrylic effects. Perhaps the most useful
addition to this new app update is support for the redesigned
dialog box.
Closer look at WhatsApp UWP Beta
As we mentioned at the outset, WhatsApp Beta is a UWP app, so
it supports background syncing and notifications will also
appear on the Action Center with interactive actions.
Similarly, WhatsApp’s voice and video calls are supported in
the UWP version, which means you can make or join calls without
using your mobile device.
Although the WhatsApp UWP is faster than the web wrapper
client, this is a beta version that is still undergoing
development and the experience could be buggy.
