WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.5.11: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.5.11.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to create custom lists for status updates, and it will be available in a future update!

WhatsApp is working on custom lists for status updates

In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.25.2 update, we announced a feature that allows users to share status updates with their close friends. This functionality is currently under development and it will let users select their favorite contacts to share special status updates with. Recipients who are included in a close friends list will be able to see that a status update is shared exclusively with this group. However, no one will be notified if they are added or removed from the close friends list.

This feature is still under development to ensure a bug-free experience before its official release in the future. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is developing a similar feature that will give users even more control over their status updates. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.5.11 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to create custom lists for status updates.

As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will allow users to create custom audiences, scheduled for release in a future update. Currently, users can choose who to share their status updates with by choosing from three options: My Contacts, All Contacts Except, and Only Share With. Although these three options cover the most common scenarios, users may sometimes need to adjust their privacy settings multiple times. For example, users might want to share different status updates with different audiences. This would force them to revisit and customize their settings for each update to ensure the right people see the right content.

To address this issue, WhatsApp is developing a feature that will let users create lists for status updates. A list organizes a group of contacts, making it easier for users to share status updates with them. Users will be able to create multiple lists to suit different needs. For example, users could create a list for family, another for colleagues, and others for various friend groups.

A list includes a name and a set of contacts. Additionally, users will be asked to choose an emoji to associate with the list. The emoji will allow users to quickly identify the list, making it easier to organize and differentiate between multiple lists. It's worth noting that users will retain full control over their personalized lists, as they can update the name, emoji, or contacts at any time. However, changes take effect only for future use. For example, if a user shares a status update with a list and later removes a contact, that contact can still see the previous update but will not see any updates shared afterward.

The feature that allows users to create custom lists for status updates is currently under development, and it is planned for release in a future update. WhatsApp is currently working on implementing lists into the status interface. This includes custom audience selection when creating a status update. Once testing is complete, WhatsApp will roll out the feature to some beta testers, allowing them to provide feedback on their experience.

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