After WhatsApp, dark mode is finally arriving on WeChat

Tencent shoots down rumor that it’s introducing the new feature to avoid being removed from Apple’s App Store

Reading Time:1 minute

Why you can trust SCMP

When Apple teased Memoji stickers at its Worldwide Developers Conference last June, it showed what appears to be WeChat in dark mode (right). (Picture: Apple)

Karen Chiu

Published: 4:43pm, 11 Mar 2020

This article originally appeared on ABACUS

Darkness has descended on WeChat: China’s most popular messaging app is finally getting a dark mode on iOS and Android.

The team announced this week that it’s hoping to bring the long-anticipated feature to Apple users in the next update. It also said it completed A/B testing for dark mode on Android, so users can expect the feature to arrive in future versions.

Apple introduced dark mode to iOS 13 last year, which dims the screen and converts the background to a darker color so that it’s easier on the eyes. Google also introduced its own version, called Dark Theme, to Android 10.

With the new announcement, Tencent’s head of public relations Zhang Jun tried to shoot down rumors that WeChat would be removed from Apple’s App Store if it failed to introduce dark mode. He said Apple only asked developers to switch to the iOS 13 software developer kit. Apple’s website says developers may choose to opt out of dark mode if they find it unsuitable for their app or need more time.

Purchase the China AI Report 2020 brought to you by SCMP Research and enjoy a 20% discount (original price US$400). This 60-page all new intelligence report gives you first-hand insights and analysis into the latest industry developments and intelligence about China AI. Get exclusive access to our webinars for continuous learning, and interact with China AI executives in live Q&A. Offer valid until 31 March 2020.