WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.26.5: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.23.26.5.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to allow channel owners to invite new admins, and it is available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Channel admin |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.26.5 is marked as a compatible update, but some users may be able to get the same feature by installing the previous update. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it's rolling out to more users over the coming days. |
| Thanks: | Akan, Technical MJ TV, and TestingApp199, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.26.3: what’s new? WhatsApp is working on a feature to send high-quality photos and videos to status! |
CHANNEL ADMIN
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.23.7 update, we announced that WhatsApp was working on a new feature to allow channel owners to add new admins to their channels. This feature promised to significantly enhance the management and engagement capabilities of WhatsApp channels, allowing channel owners to choose additional admins to help them manage the channel. After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.26.5 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, WhatsApp is finally rolling out this feature to some beta testers!
As you can see in this screenshot, a new feature is available in the channel info screen, allowing channel owners to invite administrators. With this update, some channel owners can now add up to 15 new admins to their channels, with the flexibility to invite up to 15 contacts, but they need to accept the invitation before gaining channel administrative access. A channel admin can modify the channel name, icon, description, and settings, managing which emojis can be used for update reactions. It's worth noting that this feature was recently released to some iOS beta testers who installed the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.25.10.70 update.
We believe that granting channel owners the ability to add administrators for their channels offers enhanced control and management capabilities, particularly beneficial as the channel expands in size or activity. New administrators can contribute to increased channel activity and efficiency by assisting in posting and managing additional content, ensuring regular updates. It's important to mention that channel admins are restricted from deleting the channel, safeguarding the integrity and continuity of the channel.
The feature to allow channel owners to invite new admins is available to some beta testers who install the latest version of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming days.
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