WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.2.11: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.2.11.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows a limited group of users to access the beta version, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Early access to beta features |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.2.11 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users may get the same feature by installing certain previous updates. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | FastenM, AndiMedia, Traiti, Wawan, Saadh Jawwadh, and trewher, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is working on voice and video calls for group chats on Web! |
WhatsApp is rolling out the feature to join the beta program
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.35.5 update, we announced that a feature to let a limited number of users join the beta program was under development. This feature is designed to offer the beta version to some users who aren't enrolled in the beta program. This would ensure WhatsApp gets more beta testers than the Play Store supports. Since the Google Play Store offers a maximum of 10,000 spots for the beta program and it is almost always full, many users don't have access to the beta version. With this feature, the chances of getting access to the beta version are higher.
Now, it appears that WhatsApp is starting to test this feature with the public, as some beta testers have reported that the ability join the beta program from the app is available. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.2.11 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows a limited group of users to access the beta version.
As you can see in this screenshot, some beta testers can explore a feature that allows them to access the WhatsApp beta program directly within the app. Initially, this feature was intended only for users who were not part of the beta program. Recent developments indicate that WhatsApp is expanding the initial idea to offer access to current beta testers as well. While the initial plan to release this feature only to a limited number of users remains the same, the purpose of this feature has not changed.
To check if it's possible to enroll in the beta program directly from the app, users can simply open WhatsApp's settings and check if the "Early access to features" option is available. In this section, selected users can choose whether to enroll in the beta program, which offers certain features before the official release. If these users wish to discontinue using the beta version, they can simply disable the feature at any time. Disabling this feature will allow the app to install the latest public version once it's ready and available.
It's important to note that some users may experience issues with activating the toggle for this feature. Due to a bug, WhatsApp immediately disables the toggle when attempting to activate the feature. In this case, there's not much you can do and you will have to wait for WhatsApp to address this issue with a new update. Unfortunately, a release date for this fix is not currently available.
When WhatsApp releases a beta update, and beta testers encounter critical issues, they must wait for another update to be released from the Google Play Store. While WhatsApp may be quick to fix critical issues, such as a crash upon opening the app, the Google Play Store may not be as quick to approve an update. This would cause significant disruptions for users who want to communicate. However, if WhatsApp had a second release channel for some beta testers, these critical updates would reach beta testers more quickly.
WhatsApp isn't just releasing this feature to some beta testers, as some users who don't currently have access to the beta version may also find the same option in the app's settings. When certain users want to install the beta version, they may not be able to do so since the beta program is full. Therefore, they rely on third-party websites that offer the APK to install. For some of these users, it will be much easier to access the beta program even if it is full, as the app may allow them to update to the beta version directly from the app.
The feature that allows a limited group of users to access the beta version is available to some users who install the latest WhatsApp for Android updates from the Google Play Store. While it's only available to some users, some beta testers who currently have access to the beta version may also be able to enable this feature. There are currently no details regarding a potential wider release, so users interested in this feature are encouraged to check their app settings over the coming weeks.
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