WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.20.1.71: what's new?
WhatsApp has just submitted a new update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 23.20.1.71. The version marked within WhatsApp Settings is 2.23.20.71 and the TestFlight build is 23.20.1 (522459020).
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature to configure a username, and it will be available in a future update of the app!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | WhatsApp username |
| Status? | Under development |
| Availability? | WhatsApp is working on bringing a feature to set up a WhatsApp username to a future update of the app. |
| I have the same version but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is under development: this means it's not ready for beta testers. However, you can discover a preview in this article. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to copy links from channel updates! |
WHATSAPP USERNAME
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15 update, we shared important information regarding the ability to set up a username. With this feature, sharing your phone number will no longer be needed as you can communicate with new people by using your username. While this feature is still in development on WhatsApp beta for Android, we discovered that, thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.20.1.71 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, WhatsApp is now working on bringing the same feature to the iOS app!
As you can see in this screenshot, it will be possible to choose your WhatsApp username right within your profile settings as a new section dedicated to this feature will be introduced in this screen in a future update. Usernames on WhatsApp will accept alphanumeric characters and some special characters, but do not support discriminators: this means that usernames are unique on WhatsApp. It's important to note that configuring a username is optional, and the phone number associated with an account that initiated a chat through a username will always remain concealed, as long as the people in the conversation do not already know each other's phone numbers.
While in the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15 update we explained that it was too early to understand how usernames will work on WhatsApp, we finally have more details today. With usernames on WhatsApp, it will be possible to communicate with any user, whether they are an individual or a business, making it easier for users to connect with a diverse range of contacts. In our opinion, the introduction of usernames also aligns with their commitment to enhance privacy and security: by allowing users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers, they can finally maintain a higher level of confidentiality of their information when engaging with new contacts and group chats. As always, conversations initiated through usernames will be protected by end-to-end encryption.
The feature to configure a WhatsApp username is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app. We will keep you updated once we have further details to share.
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