WABetaInfo, a trusted and very comprehensive source for WhatsApp updates and leaks, noted this issue, and showed that WhatsApp has been actively working to rectify it. Indeed, in the latest beta release (2.24.7.19), the back button has been replaced with a dedicated “minimize” button, finally leaving no room for visual confusion.
Making Things a Lot Clearer
The new minimize button serves the same purpose as the previous back button, allowing users to navigate away from the call screen without having to terminate the call. But now, the newer design and label make its purpose much clearer, preventing users from hesitating to press it whenever they need to move away from the call menu.
In addition to the minimize button, WhatsApp has also enhanced the visual design of the other buttons on the calling screen. These buttons are now embedded within distinct shapes that perfectly separate them from the background. The unmistakable contrast difference (according to what was implied, at least) ensures that they remain visible throughout the call.
A Safe Mistake, Just in Case
Considering how long this issue lasted for the previous iteration of the app’s general user interface is funny. That being said, it may have mostly just been considered an adjustment thing. Even if you accidentally press it, nothing cleanly negative happens; you simply discover that the button actually just jumps you out of the last menu.
Since cleaning up the UI is already the objective, clarifying which buttons are accessible most likely became the next natural step. Hence, the other closely related part of the update.
Standard Rollout Procedures
As with many new features and updates, the redesigned calling screen is currently being rolled out to a smaller group of beta testers. These users, who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta update through the Google Play Beta Program, are among the first to experience the improved calling interface and also the first to see if there are any hiccups to the changes.
Over the coming weeks, WhatsApp will gradually implement the redesigned calling screen to an even larger pool of beta testers, allowing for further testing and feedback. We should expect the feature to be available to standard users soon after.
