Well, sort of. Reports indicate that the option has just cropped up on a beta version of the app.
According to Macrumours, users on WhatsApp’s TestFlight program spotted the dark mode setting in recent testing notes. This means that we might have to wait a little while for the full roll-out, but it’s a sure sign that the new feature is on the way.
WhatsApp launched dark mode for Android at end of January, but the option was only made available to users who had enrolled in the Google Play Beta program.
Related: WhatsApp launches dark mode in Android beta
At the time, dark mode users reported the WhatsApp logo still appeared in luminous green, but the background colours had been softened to a dark grey, with white text appearing over this.
Now that we know similar development are afoot on the iPhone app, we can probably expect a full update on both types of OS soon. You’d certainly hope so, given that the majority of Facebook-owned apps – like Messenger and Instagram – already have dark mode available.
Dark mode is hugely popular at the moment thanks to its retina-saving features. In theory, the grey hues offered by dark mode are easier on the eyes, but it can also improve the battery life on your device.
Related: Loads of phones have just lost WhatsApp
It was first brought to the iPhone with the Apple iOs 13 update – but as some apps don’t have an integrated dark mode, so you can still be hit by a blinding white screen when you open them.
This is becoming less of an issue as more apps work to have the feature integrated into their settings, but there are still a few bumps in the road.
For example, just last week Gmail’s dark mode started disappearing for Android users, with no explanation – let’s hope that the new WhatsApp settings have a little more permanence, when they arrive.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
