This week, WhatsApp is launching its new Apple Watch companion app, letting users read and reply to messages directly from their wrist. The update marks WhatsApp's first major step toward deeper smartwatch integration, bringing a smoother, more connected experience for Apple Watch users.
| Key points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | WhatsApp for Apple Watch app |
| Feature availability: | Some features announced in this article may be under development and not yet available to all beta testers, or they may be gradually rolling out to users. If you're unable to access a certain feature, you will need to wait for a future update. Keep reading for more information. |
| News of last week: | WhatsApp beta for Android Introduces a Feature to Mention All Members in Group Chats at Once! |
| Previous article: | WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.32.10.70: what's new? WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to search and call others using usernames! |
Weekly WhatsApp Beta Updates: New Features and Improvements
This weekly roundup brings together all the latest WhatsApp beta updates from the past week, giving you a single place to catch up on everything you might have missed. Whether you follow our updates closely or only check in occasionally, this summary ensures you stay informed about new features, improvements, and fixes. This week's highlight is the launch of WhatsApp's new Apple Watch app on TestFlight, which lets beta testers read and reply to messages directly from their wrist for a more seamless and connected chat experience. Stay in the loop and see what's new in WhatsApp before the next updates are available.
WhatsApp to Let Users Add Custom Cover Photos for a More Personalized Profile Look
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will let regular users personalize their profiles by adding a cover photo, much like business accounts already can. This banner-style image will appear at the top of the user's profile, introducing a visually appealing way to express personality, interests, or mood. The feature mirrors similar profile layouts found on platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn, bringing a familiar and modern aesthetic to WhatsApp.
Setting a cover photo will be straightforward, allowing users to upload an image directly from their profile settings. Once added, the photo will be visible on both the public profile and within app settings for easy access. WhatsApp is also working on privacy options for this feature, letting users control who can see their cover photo with choices like "Everyone", "My contacts", or "Nobody". This addition combines personalization and privacy, giving users more freedom to make their profiles visually distinctive while staying in control of visibility.
WhatsApp Introduces Smarter Sticker Creation and Management Tools
The WhatsApp for iOS 25.31.75 update brings a new feature that lets users create and save stickers directly to their personal collection without sending them first. This improvement streamlines personalization by allowing users to design and organize stickers efficiently. A new button next to the "Send" option enables users to add a sticker to an existing pack or start a new one right away. Users can now focus on building customized sticker sets that suit their unique communication style without sending them immediately.
WhatsApp Finally Launches on Apple Watch, Bringing Messaging to Your Wrist
WhatsApp has officially expanded to the Apple Watch with the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.32.10.71 update available through TestFlight. The new app serves as a companion to the iPhone, similar to WhatsApp's Wear OS version for Android, marking the start of smartwatch integration. While it's not yet a standalone app, it represents a major step toward making WhatsApp more accessible on wearables.
Users need their iPhone nearby for the app to work, as WhatsApp on Apple Watch relies on the phone's connection. Despite this limitation, the app significantly enhances how users receive and reply to messages directly from their wrist. Notifications are now more interactive, supporting quick replies and reactions without unlocking the iPhone. The app automatically syncs with the paired iPhone, displaying a clear indicator for connection status. Users can browse recent chats, view pinned and disappearing messages, and even compose or dictate new ones easily.
Voice messages and emoji reactions are also supported, adding flexibility to on-the-go communication. Compared to earlier notification-only support, this dedicated app delivers a smoother and more intuitive experience. For Apple Watch owners, it marks the beginning of richer WhatsApp functionality on watchOS. Although still dependent on the iPhone, this release lays the foundation for future updates that could bring several new features to the new app.
WhatsApp Will Introduce Username-Based Calling for More Private Connections
WhatsApp is testing a new username-based calling feature that will allow users to make voice and video calls without sharing their phone numbers. This upcoming feature enhances privacy while simplifying how users connect and communicate within the app. By searching usernames in the Calls tab, users can find and call others quickly, viewing only limited profile information based on privacy settings.
Calls made through usernames will use the same end-to-end encryption as standard WhatsApp calls, ensuring complete data protection. For added security, a username key system will allow users to control who can contact them, acting as a passcode for first-time interactions. This feature helps reduce spam and unwanted calls while preserving user autonomy. Businesses, communities, and creators can connect more easily with new audiences without compromising privacy.
WhatsApp Will Expand Interoperability in Europe with Third-Party Groups
WhatsApp is developing interoperability features that will allow users to communicate with people on other messaging platforms without switching apps. This initiative, driven by the EU's Digital Markets Act, aims to make messaging more open and flexible across services that meet interoperability standards. WhatsApp encourages third-party apps to use the Signal Protocol or equivalent encryption systems to maintain strong end-to-end security. Users will be able to send texts, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents through third-party chats, with options to manage them via a combined or separated inbox. However, certain WhatsApp-specific functions like statuses, stickers, and disappearing messages won't be supported initially.
With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.32.7 update, WhatsApp is also working on third-party group chats, enabling users across different apps to share messages and media securely once interoperability is enabled. New privacy controls will let users choose who can add them to third-party chats or groups, helping prevent spam and unwanted interactions. It's worth noting that this cross-platform communication feature will be exclusive to users in Europe, aligning with regional regulations for digital competition.
WhatsApp Working On Instagram-Like Reaction Stickers for Status Updates
WhatsApp is developing a new reaction sticker feature for status updates, designed to make interactions more expressive and dynamic, similar to Instagram Stories. Users will be able to place interactive emoji stickers directly on photos or videos, allowing viewers to react instantly by tapping them. Before posting, users can fully customize which emoji they want to use, offering complete creative control and helping express specific moods or messages.
When someone views a status with a reaction sticker, they can respond privately with one tap, and only the author will see who reacted, thanks to end-to-end encryption. Authors will receive real-time notifications with details about who reacted and which emoji they used, keeping engagement transparent and organized. All reactions will also appear in a dedicated activity sheet, arranged chronologically for easier tracking. The visible, tappable nature of these stickers is expected to increase spontaneous interactions compared to the current hidden emoji options.
WhatsApp Tests Contact Invitations to Help Channel Admins Grow Their Audience
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.32.15 update, we announced that WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will let channel admins invite their contacts to follow their channels directly from the channel info screen. This option will enable admins to select specific contacts and send them a follow request that appears as a message with a one-tap button to join. The feature enhances channel discovery by giving admins a personal and direct way to promote their content.
Currently, channels depend on organic discovery and shareable links, which can limit visibility, especially for smaller creators. By allowing invitations to trusted contacts, WhatsApp introduces a more authentic path to community growth. Recipients are more likely to engage with channels recommended by people they know, increasing follower quality and retention. For admins, this personalized outreach helps build a loyal audience faster and more effectively.
Stay tuned with us to discover new features and updates about WhatsApp coming your way next week. We will continue tracking all the latest beta releases, improvements, and bug fixes so you never miss a thing. Make sure to check back regularly and stay ahead with the newest ways to enhance your WhatsApp experience.
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