WhatsApp users are not happy. The messaging app’s latest update has introduced a new layout for Status updates, drawing comparisons to Facebook Stories. Instead of the usual list view, statuses are now displayed in large, card-like boxes. Yes! Now you can see the status thumbnail in a shrunken-down card.
Reddit and X are buzzing with negative feedback. One Reddit user called the change “ugly as hell,” criticizing Meta for overloading WhatsApp with unnecessary updates. Another pointed out that WhatsApp is becoming a mix of Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook—and not in a good way.
On X, one user wrote: “Enough with the updates, please. User experience is at an all-time low.” Another suggested starting a mass complaint against WhatsApp to reverse the design change.
The update also ties into the WhatsApp Channels feature, which some users feel has already disrupted the app’s simplicity. A few have noted that unsubscribing from channels partially restores the old Status layout. I tested this on my end, and surprisingly, it did the trick. Here’s a screenshot I took after restoring the previous layout by getting rid of all the channels:
This isn’t really an ideal workaround since you have to unsubscribe from every channel you follow. So if you’re big on getting updates from WhatsApp channels, then you might have to live with the change indefinitely. Moreover, it’s possible that WhatsApp will “fix” this loophole later.
Users are increasingly frustrated with the frequent design changes, especially as WhatsApp was once prized for its simplicity. Many now worry that ads could be next, further complicating the app.
That said, this isn’t the only problem WhatsApp users have been complaining about recently. In the past couple of months, many have taken to platforms like Reddit and X to report a major issue where their accounts are getting banned for no apparent reason.
The big question remains: Is Meta losing sight of what made WhatsApp great, or are these changes simply part of the platform’s evolution? Only time — and user feedback — will tell.
Dwayne Cubbins
454 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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