WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.22: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.24.9.22.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a file sharing feature with people nearby, and it will be available in a future update!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | People nearby |
| Status? | Under development |
| Availability? | WhatsApp is working on bringing a file sharing feature with people nearby to a future update of the app. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is under development so it's not ready for beta testers, but it is possible to discover a preview in this article. |
| Special thanks: | Sc and Adwaith Varma, for collaborating, testing, and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.20: what’s new? WhatsApp is rolling out an event feature for community group chats! |
WhatsApp keeps improving nearby file sharing on Android
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.2.20 update, we announced a feature to easily share files with people nearby. This feature would offer enhanced file sharing experience between users nearby. As a result, it may improve the convenience and efficiency of sharing documents and media.
Although this feature is still in development, WhatsApp is refining it ahead of a potential release. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.22 update from the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp keeps working on a file sharing feature with people nearby.
WhatsApp to introduce opt-in controls and privacy safeguards for nearby file sharing permissions
As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is developing a section to list all needed permissions to share files with people nearby. Users will be able to open this section directly within the app settings. Other users will be able to be discovered only if they also open the screen at the same time. This means that the process will be entirely opt-in for anyone involved. So users will have full control over whether they want to be visible to others nearby. File sharing is always end-to-end encrypted. Additionally, phone numbers will be hidden for added privacy.
WhatsApp to request local network and location permissions to enable nearby file sharing features
By using the people nearby feature, WhatsApp needs to access to photos, media, and files stored on the device. Users will be prompted to grant permission to the application to detect and connect to devices on their local network. This means that WhatsApp won't use the Internet connection to share file. In addition, WhatsApp will need the location permission to identify, connect to, and determine the relative position of nearby devices. Users will be able to revoke these permissions at any time via the device settings.
WhatsApp to enable offline nearby file sharing to reduce data use and improve accessibility
The new file sharing feature with people will add a layer of convenience to the user experience. Since it doesn't rely on the Internet connection, users will be able to save their data. Users will no longer need to rely on a third-party cloud storage to upload their files. It is also useful in areas with limited or unstable network coverage.
WhatsApp evaluates whether to release nearby file sharing based on user feedback and testing results
As with any feature under development, it is unclear if WhatsApp will release this feature. WhatsApp might conduct thorough research and internal testing to understand what features users want and their expectations regarding their functionality. If the file-sharing feature for people nearby won't align with the needs or expectations of users, WhatsApp may decide not to release it. As a result, its eventual release is uncertain at this stage of development, and only time will tell.
The file sharing feature with people nearby is under development, and it will be available in a future update of the app. We will publish another article once we have new information to share.
Connect with WABetaInfo
Follow WABetaInfo on X to learn more about new features and updates. We love hearing your feedback, so please let us know what you think! You can also visit our About page to explore all our services and keep up with the latest announcements.