WhatsApp update will finally bring Dark Mode to Android

Leaked screenshots reveal what the new feature will look like

New WhatsApp update will finally bring dark mode to the app, making it easier to read messages at night (Getty Images)

WhatsApp has developed Dark Mode for Android, finally delivering one of the most long-awaited features for the popular messaging app.

The new feature will come with an upcoming update for WhatsApp, though several leaked screenshots have already given an idea of what users might expect.

First spotted by Wabetainfo, WhatsApp's Dark Mode will reduce screen glare and make it easier for users to view messages in low light.

Android users will get the new feature as part of the 2.19.82 update, according to the publication, but it is not clear when this might be rolled out.

Screenshots of the feature show WhatsApp will implement a dark grey colour scheme, rather than black. This should serve to lower the contrast between the text and the background and therefore help prevent eye strain.

WhatsApp is not the first messaging app to introduce a dark mode, with Facebook Messenger, Telegram and Viber already including the feature within their apps.

Google is also reportedly working on an updated colour scheme to improve the user experience for its ubiquitous search engine.

Leaked screenshots show what dark mode in WhatsApp will look like (WhatsApp/ Wabetainfo)

Early beta testers of the app will get the first glimpse of the new mode, which any WhatsApp user is able to become by signing up through Google Play.

"Hello,​ WhatsApp Inc. has invited you to a testing program for an unreleased version of the WhatsApp Messenger app," The WhatsApp invite states.

"As a tester, you'll receive an update that includes a testing version of the WhatsApp Messenger app, which may also include unreleased versions of its instant app. Note: testing versions may be unstable."

The Facebook-owned app, which counts more than 1.5 billion monthly users, ​does not comment on unreleased features.