ANDROID

WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.9.9: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.9.9.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a premium feature that allows users to pin up to 20 chats, and it will be available in a future update!

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Key Points Details
Name of the feature: Pin up to 20 chats
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 Android 2.26.9.6: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to join the waitlist for the premium plan!
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WhatsApp is working on a premium feature to pin extra chats

In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.6.1 update, we announced new features to customize the icon and accent color of the app. These tools will be included in the upcoming premium plan by paying for a monthly fee. The subscription is optional and it will offer a selection of 14 different app icons users could choose from. Additionally, users will be able to change the main branding color of the app by selecting a new option from a set of 19 accent colors.

These features are currently under development on the Android app. They are still being refined, and the exact set of available options might change before the official launch. However, WhatsApp is now exploring additional tools for the premium plan to enhance user customization. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.9.9 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a premium feature that allows users to pin up to 20 chats.

This image shows a premium feature that allows users to pin up to 20 chats on WhatsApp beta for Android

As you can see from the attached image, WhatsApp is developing a new feature that brings extra pinned conversations to the Chats tab, scheduled for release in a future update. Users can currently pin up to 3 conversations at the top of the chat list. Pinning up to 3 chats keeps the interface clean and organized. When users try to pin more than 3 conversations, the app displays an alert to inform them that the maximum number of pinned chats has been reached.

By subscribing to the upcoming premium plan, users will be able to pin up to 20 chats. This means that users will be able to add 17 more pinned chats beyond the current limit of 3. This expansion will give users more flexibility to keep their most important conversations easily accessible. In addition, users can save time by pinning a higher number of chats instead of searching them through the chat list. With this change, the chat interface can support a larger set of pinned chats.

The ability to pin extra chats will be useful for users who participate in multiple groups or manage a high volume of conversations. For example, someone who is part of work projects and family groups can keep all of these chats pinned for quick access. A small business owner could pin conversations with certain clients and employees to stay organized throughout the day. Students and study partners would benefit by keeping all their important discussions at the top. As a result, the expanded pinning capability will ensure that high-priority chats are always visible at the top of the screen.

Since WhatsApp's premium plan is entirely optional, only users who want to expand their pinned chat limit will need to subscribe. Users who are satisfied with the current limit of 3 pinned chats can continue using the app without any changes. The optional nature of the plan will let users choose additional functionality only if it suits their needs. Users who prefer simplicity won't even feel pressured to upgrade. Note that it is also possible to organize conversations by creating additional lists. Lists allow users to manage chats they might have pinned with the premium plan. This means that users who choose not to subscribe to the premium plan will still have a practical way to organize their chats.

The premium feature that allows users to pin up to 20 chats is currently under development, and it is planned for release in a future update. At the moment, WhatsApp is refining how the application can pin a higher number of conversations. Once testing is complete, the premium plan will be gradually introduced to users, offering the ability to pin additional chats.

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