Skip to main content

Facebook rolling out new Messenger 4 app update with simplified navigation, dark mode, customizable chat bubbles, more

Facebook has announced today in a blog post that the much-anticipated Messenger 4 update for mobile is rolling out today. The revamp focuses on simplifying the messaging experience by removing some of the clutter users have complained about in the past.

Messenger 4 has simplified its navigation, revamping the entire bottom tab menu. It starts with one-to-one and group conversations, which are now combined into a single Chats tab. The company is also adding a new Camera button on the top right of this menu to let users easily share photos and videos to your friends and family. You’ll also have revamped People and Discover tabs which are self-explanatory.

In a recent Messenger study, 7 out of 10 (71%) people told us simplicity is the top priority for them in a messaging app.

But that’s not all, Messenger 4 will also bring in new ways to personalize conversations with custom nicknames, emojis, and chat colors. This includes the ability to create a really incredible OLED dark mode with custom chat bubble colors. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to apply this app-wide, but just to the specific chat you’re in. You can, however, manually theme every chat with the dark mode.

While Messenger 4 is all about simpler and easier-to-use messaging, we’re still keeping all of the features that help you connect with the people you care about. Whether you want to poll your friends on which movie to see, split the bill for last night’s dinner, share your live location to find friends at a music festival, challenge them to your favorite games, or catch up in a group video chat, we aren’t changing anything about what you’ve always loved about Messenger.

The new update will be rolling out globally in the coming weeks. Learn more about the update here.

Messenger is a free download from the App Store.


Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel