WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.28.12: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.28.12.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature that will let users reserve their preferred username ahead of its official release, and it will be available in a future update!

WhatsApp is Developing Username Feature

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.22.9 update, we announced that a feature that allows users to configure a username key was under development. This feature will give users greater control over who can contact them via their username. Essentially, the username key will act as an additional layer of privacy: even if someone knows your username, they will only be able to send you a message if they also have your key, provided you've chosen to set one. Activating the username key will first require selecting a username, which helps protect your phone number from being exposed.

Although this feature is still in development, WhatsApp appears to be actively refining how users will manage their usernames even before the feature becomes available, aiming to provide a smoother and more intuitive process from the outset. These updates are also part of ongoing efforts to enhance the overall user experience and ensure equal access for all users. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.28.12 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that will let users reserve their preferred username ahead of its official release!

What's username reservation on WhatsApp?

Username reservation is a dedicated feature that will allow users to secure their favorite usernames before the full username functionality is widely available, scheduled for release in a future update. This feature is slightly different from the complete username system, which grants full access to the username functionality. WhatsApp is gradually rolling out new features for testing purposes, which helps ensure stability and prevent potential issues during the official release. Without a reservation system, users who receive early access to the username feature could claim popular usernames before others who don't yet have access, creating an unfair advantage.

How Username Reservation Ensures Fairness

By introducing username reservation, WhatsApp ensures that all users have a fair chance to secure the usernames they want. The feature will potentially be released to a larger number of users more quickly than the full username functionality. This approach allows WhatsApp to manage demand efficiently and reduces the risk of popular usernames being claimed by a small group of beta users. Essentially, username reservation will help maintain fairness and equal opportunity across all users.

Why the Full Username Rollout is Gradual

This reservation system is particularly important because the full rollout of usernames is expected to be gradual and potentially slow. The reason for this slower rollout is to monitor performance, fix bugs, and ensure the system scales effectively for millions of users. Meanwhile, the username reservation feature will be made available more widely and quickly, giving users the ability to claim their preferred identifiers without waiting for the full feature to reach their accounts. This distinction will ensure that a larger number of users have a fair shot at securing their desired usernames, regardless of when they gain access to the complete functionality.

Balancing Testing, User Experience, and Fairness

This approach reflects a careful balance between testing, user experience, and fairness. By separating reservation from the full username rollout, WhatsApp can prevent situations where early users monopolize the most sought-after usernames. Additionally, this strategy gives WhatsApp time to refine the overall username system while ensuring that the first wave of reservations is handled smoothly. Users can therefore plan ahead and confidently claim their usernames without worrying about timing discrepancies during the broader release.

Release Timeline for Username Reservation

The feature that will let users reserve their preferred username ahead of its official release is under development and it will be available in a future update. Although the exact release date is unavailable, it is expected to arrive before the full username feature in the future. WhatsApp is going to prioritize rolling out this feature to a wider audience quickly, while the full username system will follow a gradual, controlled rollout.

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