WhatsApp‘s New Typing Indicator: A Change Not Everyone Is Happy With
WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, constantly evolves, introducing features and tweaks to enhance user experience.
However, their latest alteration, which swaps the "typing…" notice, traditionally located at the top of chats, for bubbling animation at the bottom, isn’t receiving unanimous praise.
The new indicator, reminiscent of the iOS Messages app’s design, has triggered a wave of negativity online.
"Not a fan of the new typing indicator on WhatsApp," wrote one user on X, formerly Twitter, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many. "WhatsApp now has the three dots typing thing like iMessage and I Hateeeee it," commented another, highlighting its similarity to Apple’s platform.
"Hello @WhatsApp, can we just go back to ‘so and so is typing?’ This dot dot dot bouncing up and down is getting annoying," pleaded another user.
For some users, the change isn’t simply a trivial adjustment. It represents a disruptive shift from a familiar and functional design.
The update appears to be gradually rolling out, with initial reports originating from Android users weeks ago. Since then, iPhone users have started noticing the change.
This isn’t WhatsApp’s first foray into sudden and jarring update
It coincides with other recent controversial changes, including a tweak earlier this year when "Online" and "Typing…" statuses were briefly capitalized, sparking widespread user backlash. Eventually, that change was reversed, marking another instance where
WhatsApp reinstated a familiar look after a backlash on social media.
However, amongst the criticism, some users have expressed approval for the shift.
"WhatsApp finally removed the typing notification from the top and brought it down to where it belongs," a user wrote.
This new bubble-style indicator appears to be here to stay. Whether others follow suit by embracing this format. The Sun has contacted WhatsApp for comment on
How has the placement of WhatsApp’s new typing indicator impacted user experience?
## WhatsApp’s New Typing Indicator: A Change Not Everyone Is Happy With
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing WhatsApp’s latest update, which has been met with mixed reactions from users. Joining us to break down the changes and share their perspective is tech journalist Sarah Jones. Sarah, welcome to the show.
**Sarah:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Let’s get straight to it. WhatsApp has swapped out the classic “typing…” indicator for a bubbling animation at the bottom of the screen. What’s the scoop on this change?
**Sarah:** That’s right. This change was spotted in the latest beta version for Android [[1](https://www.phoneworld.com.pk/whatsapp-enhances-chat-experience-with-redesigned-typing-indicator/)]. Essentially, instead of seeing the familiar text prompt at the top, users now see animated bubbles at the bottom of the chat window indicating someone is typing.
**Host:** And why is this causing a stir?
**Sarah:** Well, some users are finding the new animation distracting and less subtle than the old text indicator. Many are accustomed to the “typing…” notice and relied on its placement at the top of the screen for a quick and unobtrusive glance. The animation, being at the bottom, requires more visual attention, which some find irritating.
**Host:** So, it seems like a change designed to be more visually engaging is actually having the opposite effect for some users?
**Sarah:** Exactly. It highlights how even seemingly small changes to user interfaces can have a big impact on user experience. It’ll be interesting to see how WhatsApp responds to this feedback and whether they consider reverting back to the original indicator or making adjustments to the animation.
**Host:** Thank you for shedding light on this, Sarah. It seems like users will need to adjust to this new look or hope for a future change.
**Sarah:** It’s definitely a change worth keeping an eye on.
**Host:** Indeed. This has been fascinating. Thank you, Sarah, for joining us.
**Sarah:** My pleasure.
