WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.17: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.21.17.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a revamped About feature with disappearing status options, and it will be available in a future update!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Status with disappearing options |
| Status? | Under development |
| Availability? | WhatsApp is currently developing a revamped About feature with disappearing status options, which is expected to be released in a future update. |
| I've installed the update, but this feature isn't available. Why? | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.14: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to create notification reminders for chat messages! |
STATUS WITH DISAPPEARING OPTIONS
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.20.12 update, we announced that an improved feature for "about" called status was under development. This feature will offer the ability to set a temporary text status with predefined expiration durations, after which the status automatically disappears from the profile. It was first spotted more than two years ago but was never released. This often happens when WhatsApp is unsure whether a feature will really benefit users or believes it needs additional options before a potential release. In such cases, WhatsApp tends to put the idea on hold until it can be revisited and refined for a future update. Now, it appears that WhatsApp has resumed development on this feature, suggesting it may finally be nearing a stage suitable for testing and a potential rollout. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.17 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp keeps working on a revamped About feature with disappearing status options!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that lets users set expiring information linked to their profile, scheduled for release in a future update. The "About" section is the short note shown in your profile, often used to share a phrase, a mood, or what you are currently doing. In the upcoming update, this section will support expiring options, so any text you add can be set to automatically disappear after a specific duration that you choose. This change aims to give users more control over their profile information and reduce the chances of outdated or irrelevant details shared on their accounts.
In addition to appearing on your profile page, the new status will also be displayed directly in the conversation header, precisely in the top app bar under the contact's name, making it far more visible to the people you chat with. Compared to the early development we discovered more than two years ago, the current project shows a richer set of expiration choices, and WhatsApp is even working on a custom expiration option that allows users to pick a personalized timeframe instead of sticking to the preset durations. This flexibility is particularly useful when users want a status to last only for a certain event or situation, such as during a weekend trip, a limited-time sale, or while they are attending a conference, after which it will vanish without any manual effort on their part.
With this feature, WhatsApp will make it easier than ever to share updates about what the user is doing, how they are feeling, or simply express their thoughts. Users will be able to choose exactly how long their status remains visible to others, adding a new layer of control and privacy. As always, users will be able to update or remove their status at anytime from the app settings. It is important to note that only contacts permitted through the user's privacy settings will be able to view this temporary status. This design ensures that updates remain visible exclusively to selected contacts, maintaining full control over who has access to the information.
A revamped About feature with disappearing status options 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.
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.