WhatsApp Channels may move to chats tab in new test

WhatsApp is testing three different ways to move Channels out of the Updates tab and into the main Chats section, a change that could eventually make room for a dedicated Contacts tab.

The feature is currently under development for both Android and iOS and is not yet available to beta testers. WhatsApp is experimenting with different layouts before deciding how channels should appear in the chat list.

The first configuration would place channels directly in the main chat list alongside conversations. Users would be able to filter them through a Channels list at the top, while Channels would also remain visible in the All inbox.

The second option takes a more limited approach. Channels would stay out of the main inbox and only appear when users select the Channels list.

The third configuration would add a dedicated Channels folder to the main chat list. Users could access their existing channels there while also discovering new channels to follow.

Currently, WhatsApp categorises Status and Channels within the Updates tab. The tech giant has already begun the process of moving status updates to the top of the Chats tab for certain users.

The removal of Status leaves Channels as the primary function that keeps the Updates tab within the WhatsApp user interface. Moving Channels to Chats will allow WhatsApp to use the tab for another purpose.

A possible new configuration could include the addition of a Contacts tab in order to allow users to locate their online contacts and birthdays.

WhatsApp has yet to confirm whether any of the three mentioned above configurations is going to be implemented into the public version. Testing different tabs for different users can help to receive feedback about the chosen configuration.

Separation of Channels from the All inbox will clean up the chat list, whereas moving them to the Chats tab will provide more visibility for Channels. The folder system will make a difference in the current interface.