WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.1.18: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.1.18.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to filter stickers and create custom text stickers, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Find stickers and create custom text stickers |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.1.18 has been designated as a compatible update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Sc, kingcyrious, Saadh Jawwadh, and AnonymousWP, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | Concept Presents Expanded Notification Tone Options for WhatsApp Chats and Groups! |
WhatsApp Enhances the Sticker Search Experience with New Features
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.34.11 update, we announced that a feature that suggests stickers as users type their messages is available. With this functionality, users can see relevant stickers appear instantly when they enter an emoji in the chat bar. This helps them choose a sticker faster without opening the sticker tray or browsing through packs. The feature is designed to make conversations more expressive while reducing the time spent searching for the right reaction.
It appears that WhatsApp is now testing another tool for stickers, making it simpler for users to locate them and create new ones. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.1.18 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to filter stickers and create custom text stickers!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new sticker search experience that introduces quick filters directly inside the sticker section. These filters appear within the sticker keyboard as simple labels such as "Hi", "Haha", "Love", "Sad", "Wow", "Yay", and "Yes". This makes it easier for users to start a search with a single tap, as selecting a filter automatically inserts the associated keyword into the sticker search bar. These filters correspond to the categories that represent the largest groupings of stickers within WhatsApp, reflecting the types of reactions and expressions that are potentially most commonly used in conversations.
When a user selects one of these filters, WhatsApp automatically inserts the related keyword into the sticker search field. This action immediately triggers a search that looks for stickers associated with that word through predefined emoji mappings. Stickers that were created with matching emoji associations are therefore more likely to appear among the results. Stickers saved in the user's personal library are shown first, so familiar content remains easy to access.
After checking the local collection, WhatsApp expands the search to external sticker sources used by the platform. This broader lookup helps surface additional stickers that match the same emoji or textual intent. As a result, users can discover new stickers without manually browsing public packs from third-party apps. The transition between personal and global results feels seamless, since everything is displayed within the same results screen.
An interesting detail of this feature is the presence of special preset stickers at the top of the results. The first five items are dynamically generated using predefined templates rather than existing sticker packs. These preset stickers automatically display the word or short phrase typed in the search bar. If users decide not to tap on a filter, they can manually type any text and instantly see these custom text stickers appear. This behavior turns the sticker search into a lightweight creation tool that works in real time.
The templates adapt the text visually, presenting it in different styles suitable for casual conversations. This makes it possible to send a sticker with a specific message even when no matching sticker exists. The feature encourages playful experimentation, since users can quickly test different words and see instant visual results. Combined with emoji based matching, sticker discovery becomes faster and more intuitive during chats. For users who rely heavily on stickers, this tool adds flexibility while keeping interactions fluid and spontaneous.
The feature that allows users to filter stickers and create custom text stickers is currently available to some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta for Android update from the Google Play Store. WhatsApp is gradually testing this functionality in waves, which allows the development team to monitor performance and resolve any potential issues in real time. However, some users on the stable version of WhatsApp may also have access to one of these features or even both. Once testing and evaluations are complete, the feature will be made available to a wider audience, helping users quickly locate stickers and streamline their messaging experience.
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