WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.18.14: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.18.14.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to add an avatar to their profile, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Avatar profile photo |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.18.14 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users may get the same feature by installing certain previous updates. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Sniper, kingcyrious, flakoflow, luismcgarcia, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp news of the week: iOS update with 18 additional color options for chat themes is available! |
AVATAR PROFILE PHOTO
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.17.10 update, we announced that a feature to display avatars in the chat info screen was under development. This feature will allow users to make their avatars visible to their contacts when they swipe on the profile picture within the chat info screen, adding an extra layer of personalization to their profiles. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this feature with the public, as some beta testers have reported the possibility to add an avatar to their profile. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.18.14 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to add an avatar to their profile!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new option in their avatar settings that lets them add their avatar directly to their WhatsApp profile. In previous updates, users had the option to directly replace their profile photo with an avatar. With the latest updates, it is now possible to add an avatar alongside the personal profile photo, so both elements are now visible. This allows users to present both a real image and a stylized version of themselves, offering more flexibility in how they choose to be represented.
Users who receive this feature will find a dedicated section in the avatar settings where they can enable the avatar display on their profile. When choosing the option to add an avatar, the user must first select a background color that best fits their current mood or personal style. This background color will frame the avatar on their profile, giving it a personalized look. After selecting the background, users will also be prompted to pick an animation for their avatar, adding a dynamic effect that enhances the presence of the avatar.
Once the user completes their customization, the avatar will appear on their WhatsApp profile alongside their regular profile picture, providing two visual elements that represent the user. When a contact visits the chat info screen of someone who has added an avatar, they will see a unique animated coin effect. This animation flips between two sides: one side displays the user's profile picture, while the other side shows the customized avatar with its chosen background and animation. This coin flip animation is a creative way to integrate both the profile photo and the avatar.
It's important to note that users always maintain full control over the avatar added to their profile, ensuring they can manage it according to their preferences at any time. They have the ability to modify the existing configuration, such as changing the background color or pose to better suit their current mood or style. Additionally, users can edit the appearance of the avatar directly from the profile screen, updating features or details to keep it fresh and representative of themselves. It is also possible to completely remove the avatar from the profile, restoring it to a traditional profile photo display.
A feature that allows users to add an avatar to their profile is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.
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