WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.18.9: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.18.9.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out an optional feature to allow resharing and forwarding status updates, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.16.16 update, we announced that a feature to reshare and forward status updates was under development. This feature aims to give users more flexibility in how their content is shared, while maintaining a strong commitment to privacy. With this update, users will be able to enable a toggle that allows others to reshare their status updates, a setting that is disabled by default to prioritize user privacy. When activated, this option will make it possible for contacts to forward the status updates to their own contacts, expanding the reach of updates beyond the original audience. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this feature with the public, as some beta testers have reported new controls to allow resharing status updates. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.18.9 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out an optional feature to allow resharing and forwarding status updates!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore new sharing options during the creation of a status update. A tooltip will appear at this stage, informing users that they now have the ability to control whether their content can be reshared. This new setting gives users the freedom to allow or deny resharing for each individual status update. Until now, resharing was only allowed if a user was directly mentioned in a private way within someone else's status update. WhatsApp is now expanding the resharing feature, allowing users to decide whether even those who are not mentioned can reshare the status content.

This update is particularly useful for users who are interested in extending the visibility of their status updates to a wider audience, beyond just the contacts they have personally saved in their address book. It provides an opportunity for content to circulate more freely, increasing the chances that it will be seen by other people outside the user's immediate network. For example, someone who is sharing a time-sensitive announcement, promotional material related to their business, or an important message intended for community awareness might find it advantageous to allow resharing.

Despite this added flexibility, WhatsApp ensures that all reshares occur privately. The identity of the original author is never disclosed to people outside the direct contact list. While the original poster will be notified if one of their contacts reshares the status, viewers of the forwarded update won't see who created it. This preserves user privacy and prevents exposure of personal information like phone numbers or profile photos. Additionally, if resharing the reshared content is allowed and someone else then chooses to reshare it, only that second sharer will be notified of any further forwarding activity. This is because resharing a status update essentially creates a new version that belongs to the user who shared it. As a result, the chain of resharing remains private and disconnected from the original author. This system ensures that while users gain new tools to amplify their content, their personal data and privacy are always respected.

An optional feature to allow resharing and forwarding status updates 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.

Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X. You can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.

Do you like this news? Please, let us know on X: we love hearing your feedback! If you're curious to see where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services.
In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.