Snapchat knew its dramatically redesigned app could attract fierce criticism from its user base, but it had to make the changes regardless.
The new version of Snapchat is rolling out to users, many of whom are unhappy with the redesign and pleading with the company to reverse it.
The app still opens to the camera like before, but most of the other features have been shuffled around.
For instance, swiping left reveals a Friends page that lets you see your chats with friends, but also all of their Snapchat Stories. The Friends panel is also now ordered based on an algorithm that works out who you like to chat with the most.
A petition has been started on change.org, titled ‘Remove the new Snapchat update’ - and it’s already gained a lot of attention.
The petition, which was started by Nic Ramsey, has been signed by 85,625 people (at time of publishing).
Feedback from Snapchat users on Twitter has been overwhelmingly negative.
"Can we please have the old version back. This new update is confusing and complicated. Social media is supposed to be easy and fun. My friends and I would really appreciate it. Thanks!"
How to avoid new Snapchat update
If you've already got the update then there's no easy way to downgrade your app.
But if you haven't got it then you can prevent the update by turning off automatic app updates on your phone.
On an iPhone
Open the Settings app, swipe up until you find iTunes & App Store, and then toggle the Updates icon to offer in the Automatic Downloads section.
For Android devices,
Start by finding the installation file for the previous update online using the name, version number, and APK. Once you've got the file, delete the newer Snapchat from your phone and then copy the older APK file using Windows Explorer.
You'll then need to download an Android File Explorer app to find the file on your phone, which you can then install.
Or you could just embrace the change. Definitely easier.