WhatsApp camera icon in chat bar replaced with gallery shortcut > News/New Products

WhatsApp is continuously developing many new features for its Android app. The company is working on allowing users to search within channels, and was recently spotted testing a badge count feature that would show the number of unread messages within chat filters. WhatsApp is also exploring notification reminders for missed status updates.

Now WABetaInfo has discovered changes to elements of the WhatsApp Android app. In the latest WhatsApp Android beta app v2.24.23.11, the messaging platform has replaced the camera icon in the chat bar with a gallery shortcut. This change allows users to access photos and videos from their phone gallery faster and easier, without having to go through multiple steps.

Currently, if you want to send someone a photo, video, GIF, or other media, you have to tap the attachment icon in the chat bar and then select the appropriate option. Soon, this may change, and users will be able to access their saved photos and videos directly from the chat bar thanks to a gallery shortcut.

Users can send instant video messages by long-pressing the gallery shortcut button, and it’s worth noting that this key feature is preserved for users who rely on instant video recording. The decision to replace the camera shortcut with a gallery icon may receive a mixed response. This is because some people prefer the old shortcut, i.e. the option to open the camera directly. This is a more convenient and useful option.

The feature is currently in testing and only available to a limited number of WhatsApp Android beta users. Depending on the feedback received, messaging platforms may or may not add gallery shortcuts directly to the chat bar.