WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.16.16: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.16.16.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on an optional feature to allow resharing and forwarding status updates, and it will be available in a future update!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.16.8 update, we announced that a recent searches feature for channels and status updates was available. This feature allows users to easily revisit their five most recent searches directly from a dedicated section within the Updates tab, simplifying access to frequently viewed channels and contacts. Additionally, it provides helpful indicators, such as the number of unseen posts in channels and the timestamp of the latest status updates from contacts, making it easier to stay up-to-date with new content. WhatsApp seems dedicated to enhancing status update tools, aiming to make these features even more convenient for users. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.16.16 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on an optional feature to allow resharing and forwarding status updates!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will let users decide whether their status updates can be shared, scheduled for release in a future update. At present, the only way to share a status update is by being mentioned by a contact, which allows users to publish that specific update. However, there is currently no option to reshare regular status updates unless users are directly mentioned in them by their contacts.

When this feature becomes available in the future, a tooltip will appear when attempting to share a status update. This tooltip will inform users that they can choose whether or not to allow others to share their status updates. A dedicated toggle will give users full control over this option, although it is disabled by default to ensure a private experience for all users from the outset. Others will only be able to reshare a status updates with their own contacts if the user explicitly enables the toggle. This approach is designed to respect user privacy while providing flexibility for those who wish to reach a broader audience.

When a contact's status update is shared, the resharing process will remain entirely private, as WhatsApp has designed this feature to ensure that sensitive information is protected at all times. Specifically, the phone number of the user who originally posted the status update will never be visible to those who receive or view the reshared content. This privacy measure applies universally, regardless of how many times a status update is shared, providing an added layer of privacy for users who wish to allow resharing content without revealing their phone number. WhatsApp guarantees that no identifying details are ever exposed through this process, as the app does not attach any user metadata to shared status updates regarding the original author.

An optional feature to allow resharing and forwarding status updates is under development and it will be available in a future update. We will keep you updated with an additional article as soon as we have more details to share about this feature.

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