WhatsApp Just Killed the Settings Tab on iPhone — And It's Copying Instagram's Playbook
Settings Is Dead, Long Live "You"
WhatsApp is rolling out a significant interface redesign on iOS that replaces the traditional Settings tab with a new "You" profile tab. The update, included in version 16.5.10.73, puts your profile photo front and center as the main navigation icon — and it signals something much bigger than a cosmetic refresh.
This is Meta's clearest signal yet that multi-account support is coming to WhatsApp.
What Changed and Why It Matters
The new "You" tab consolidates account management, identity settings, and personalization into a single, profile-centric view. Instead of a generic gear icon for Settings, you now see your own profile photo at the bottom of the screen.
This design choice is not random. It is exactly the same approach used by Instagram and Threads, where tapping your profile photo lets you switch between multiple accounts seamlessly. By adopting this pattern, WhatsApp is laying the groundwork for the same functionality.
For the 2+ billion people who use WhatsApp, this could mean finally being able to run personal and work accounts on the same phone without juggling two devices or third-party apps.
New Profile Design
Alongside the tab change, WhatsApp is testing an updated profile layout with a default cover photo at the top of the profile page — similar to Facebook's cover photo feature. While users cannot upload custom cover images yet, future updates are expected to unlock this option.
The update also ties into WhatsApp's broader Liquid Glass design language, which was introduced earlier this year as part of Meta's unified visual refresh across its apps.
The Slow Rollout Problem
As with most WhatsApp updates, this one is rolling out in phases. Many iOS users report that they still do not have access to the new "You" tab despite being on the latest version. This staged approach is standard for WhatsApp, but it means the feature could take weeks or even months to reach everyone.
The Bottom Line
WhatsApp replacing its Settings tab with a profile-centric "You" tab is Meta doing what Meta does best — copying its own successful patterns across apps. Instagram proved that profile-based navigation works for multi-account users. Now WhatsApp is adopting the same design, which all but confirms that multi-account support is on the roadmap.
For users who have been waiting years for this feature, the UI change is the strongest hint yet that it is finally coming. For everyone else, it is a reminder that in Meta's world, all apps eventually converge into the same design.