WhatsApp has just submitted a new update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 23.18.1.70. The version marked within WhatsApp Settings is 2.23.18.70 and the TestFlight build is 23.18.1 (511599610).
What’s new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a persistent HD button within the drawing editor, and it is available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Persistent HD button |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.18.1.70 is marked as a compatible update. |
| I have the same version but I don’t have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more people over the coming days. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.18.19: what’s new? WhatsApp is working on an email verification feature! |
842 days, 8 hours, 28 minutes and 22 seconds ago
Check out TestFlight or Twitter to discover when it's available.
PERSISTENT HD BUTTON
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.11.0.76 update, we announced the ability to share photos in higher resolution, which has recently been released to everyone with the official WhatsApp for iOS 23.17.71 update on the App Store. In these articles, we explained that it’s not always possible to send high-resolution photos. For example, this happens when the quality of the current photo doesn’t differ significantly from the compressed version, or when the original photo has a low resolution that prevents sending it in higher quality due to the absence of substantial differences. In these cases, the HD button was not visible. After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.18.1.70 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, WhatsApp now shows a persistent HD button within the drawing editor!
As you can see in this screenshot, WhatsApp has introduced a persistent HD button when sharing media. This means that, unlike the previous versions of the app, WhatsApp now consistently displays the high-quality button, even for photos and videos that might not meet the criteria. By selecting photos and videos that might not qualify for higher-resolution sending, you can discover if WhatsApp continues to display the button under such circumstances.
As we explained on X, these changes were really needed to avoid confusion. A lot of people wondered why they couldn’t send high-quality photos and videos as the HD button was not available. This was due to the selected photo not being in high resolution. However, those people might not be aware of the necessary parameters for sending high-quality photos and videos. To address this, WhatsApp now consistently shows a dimmed HD button and it will present an alert that explains that the current media is not HD resolution.
The persistent HD button within the drawing editor is available to some beta testers that install the latest update of WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.
Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X. You can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.
Do you like this news? Please, let us know on X: we love hearing your feedback! If you’re curious to see where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services.
In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.