WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.25.2: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.25.2.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to share status updates with their close friends, and it will be available in a future update!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.23.10.80 update, we announced that a feature that allows users to share status updates with their close friends is under development. This feature will let users create and manage a private close friends list within the privacy settings, giving them the ability to decide at the time of posting whether to share an update with their broader audience or exclusively with this curated group. Similar to Instagram's implementation, close friends' status updates will enable users to share personal and intimate moments, making interactions exclusive. It appears that WhatsApp now intends to bring the same close friends status sharing feature to Android users in the future, ensuring a consistent experience across both platforms. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.25.2 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to share status updates with their close friends!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is testing a new option that lets users share status updates with a dedicated close friends list, scheduled for release in the future. With this option, users will be able to define exactly who can see certain updates, strengthening the sense of control over personal content. Unlike the broader audience setting, the close friends list acts as a safe space for more private interactions. For example, users can select a default audience for their status updates, such as "My Contacts" or "Only Share With", but the close friends feature allows them to further restrict visibility to a smaller, curated group. This gives users the flexibility to maintain general sharing habits while also creating exclusive updates for trusted contacts.

Recipients who are included in a close friends list will be able to see that a status update is shared exclusively with this group. WhatsApp will use a subtle visual indicator to distinguish close friends' updates from regular status updates. This helps recipients immediately recognize that the content is meant for a very limited set of chosen recipients. At the same time, it reinforces the sense of exclusivity while keeping the interaction private and secure.

The management of this list will be completely private. This means that no one will be notified if they are added or removed, giving users full control over who can see their close friends' updates without causing awkwardness or drawing unwanted attention. This also ensures that the user maintains full authority over their choices without creating tension or misunderstandings with contacts. Another important aspect of control is that changes to the close friends list will apply only to future updates. This design choice prevents accidental shifts in visibility, allowing users to maintain full control over their audience. If someone wants to adjust their audience for a past update, they must delete it and publish a new one.

It's worth noting that even status updates shared with close friends are protected with end-to-end encryption. This means that only the selected recipients can view the content, and not even WhatsApp or Meta have access to it. Encryption ensures that private moments remain shielded from unauthorized access, preserving the confidentiality of what is shared. Combining encryption with selective audience controls gives users both technical and practical safeguards, enabling them to share personal updates with confidence and security.

A feature that allows users to share status updates with their close friends 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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