WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.20.5: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.20.5.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature to react to messages using both stickers and emojis, and it will be available in a future update!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Message reactions with stickers and emojis |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development, and it is not available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp for iOS 26.19.75: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to send media from the chat attachment sheet! |
WhatsApp plans to make message reactions more expressive with stickers
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.13.23 update, we announced a feature to react to messages and media using stickers. This feature will introduce new options to react to messages using more than just emojis. This would allow users to express themselves with more personal reactions. Users will be able to select stickers directly from their existing sticker collection. The feature will work with both static and animated stickers. So reactions feel more expressive and a bit more fun to use.
WhatsApp prepares support for both sticker and emoji reactions to messages
The feature to react to messages using stickers is still under development. WhatsApp continues to refine the experience before its official release. WhatsApp aims to make the experience familiar so users can easily react with stickers once the feature becomes available. However, it seems that WhatsApp is now improving this feature by adjusting how sticker reactions are displayed. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.20.5 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to react to messages using both stickers and emojis.
WhatsApp currently lets users react to messages with a large set of emojis
Users can currently react to a message by long-pressing it and opening the reaction tray. They can quickly choose from a set of default emojis provided by WhatsApp right within the reaction tray, or pick from emojis they have recently used. This makes it easier for users to react with different reactions. If these emojis are not enough, users can tap the "More" button to expand the selection. This action opens the full emoji keyboard that gives access to the complete range of emojis. The system keeps reactions fast and simple and it offers a large set of emojis.
Why emoji reactions are sometimes not enough in chats
Even though there are thousands of emojis available, there are still situations where they may not fully capture what a user wants to express. Some emotions may be too specific or detailed to be represented by a single emoji. Some users might want something more expressive than a standard emoji. This is especially true in certain conversations where tone or personality plays an important role. As a result, people often look for more flexible ways to react that go beyond traditional emojis.
WhatsApp to bring sticker reactions to make conversations more expressive
In a future update, WhatsApp will improve this experience by introducing sticker reactions. With sticker reactions, users will be able to respond to messages using a new range of expressions beyond standard emojis. This will make it simpler to convey emotions, jokes, or more specific reactions that better fit the context of a conversation. Users will be able to choose stickers directly from their existing sticker library when reacting to a message. So the feature will make interactions more personal and engaging.
WhatsApp keeps the same flow while adding sticker reactions alongside emojis
Reacting to a message with a sticker will work in the same way as reacting with an emoji. This means that WhatsApp will keep the flow familiar and easy to use. Users will have to long-press a message and select a sticker from the keyboard, just as they currently do with emojis. Once applied, the sticker reaction will appear at the top-left corner of the message bubble, while emoji reactions are still displayed on the opposite side at the bottom-right. The feature also suggests that a message can receive both a sticker reaction and an emoji reaction at the same time. This means a single message could display both emoji and sticker reactions simultaneously. However, it is still unclear whether this behavior will remain in the final public release, as WhatsApp may adjust it during development.
The sticker reaction feature is under development on Android
The feature to react to messages using both stickers and emojis is currently under development, and it is planned for release in a future update. At the moment, WhatsApp is refining how the app can apply sticker reactions to messages. Once testing is complete, this feature will be gradually introduced to users, making it easier to express new reactions for different situations.
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