WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.8.6: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.8.6.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature that aligns the app with India's mandatory SIM linkage rule, and it will be available in a future update!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | SIM binding for WhatsApp in India |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.7.10.74: what's new? WhatsApp is working on a feature that brings the Liquid Glass design to the chat bar! |
WhatsApp prepares new SIM verification to comply with new rules in India
Last December, we announced upcoming regulatory changes that will affect users in India. A new regulation in India will force companies to verify that accounts remain linked to an active SIM card. The requirement is part of a broader campaign to secure user authentication across digital services. All messaging platforms are expected to adjust their session management systems accordingly over the coming months.
It seems that WhatsApp is now working on complying with this new regulation. The development includes new tools that ensure accounts stay securely linked to active SIM cards. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.8.6 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that aligns the app with India's mandatory SIM linkage rule.
As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp will implement technical measures to support compliance with new rules in India, scheduled for release in a future update. Currently, users in India can access their WhatsApp accounts using the 6-digit code without any requirement for periodic confirmation of their phone number. The system does not automatically verify whether the SIM card remains active after initial login. According to Department of Telecommunications in India, this system could create opportunities for misuse of disconnected or reassigned phone numbers.
To address this issue, authorities have introduced new regulations that require platforms to implement periodic SIM-based verification to enhance digital security. WhatsApp will perform a background validation to ensure the registered SIM is still present and active on the device. This means that even after logging into WhatsApp, users will periodically need to renew their account session. This operation will confirm that the SIM still belongs to the legitimate owner. Accounts that fail verification will be subject to restricted access until validation is restored. Users won't lose their chat history or pending messages while their account is under SIM verification.
When this feature becomes available, users will need to enter a new 6-digit code to confirm that the registered SIM is still on the device. This means that WhatsApp may not allow alternative methods to confirm your account, such as a passkey. A passkey is a secure, device-based credential that allows users to log in without entering the 6-digit code. Renewing the session using a passkey may prevent compliance with the SIM‑based verification requirements mandated by the new regulation. As a result, users must ensure that their phone number remains active and linked to the correct SIM to maintain uninterrupted access to their account.
These changes aim to reduce misuse of disconnected or reassigned phone numbers. Authorities believe these measures will enhance digital security, as the regulation ensures that accounts are tied to verified SIM cards. This system is designed to make unauthorized access more difficult. To support continuous SIM verification, WhatsApp has redesigned parts of the authentication infrastructure. Users will notice periodic prompts to confirm that their phone number is still active and linked to the correct SIM card.
It's important to note that these changes will only apply to users in India. Since this is a new regulation in India, WhatsApp is not required to apply the changes to other countries, but only to phone numbers with the +91 international prefix. Users outside India will continue to access WhatsApp as usual without any periodical prompts to verify their phone number. Additionally, there are no changes planned to the two-step verification system. WhatsApp will not prompt users to enter their two-step verification code once the system confirms that the registered SIM is active on the device. The two-step verification code will continue to be required only after the first login and periodically within the app to help the user remember it.
The feature that aligns the app with India's mandatory SIM linkage rule is currently is under development, and it is planned for release in a future update. At the moment, WhatsApp is refining how the new system performs SIM validation to secure account access. Once testing is complete, the feature will be gradually rolled out to users, starting with a limited release to monitor performance and ensure a smooth transition.
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