WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.16.10.73: what's new?
WhatsApp has just submitted a new update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 24.16.10.73.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a category feature for the channels directory, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Channel category |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.16.10.73 is a compatible update, but some users might experiment with the same changes by installing certain previous updates. |
| I have the same version but I don't have this feature, why? | This feature is available to some users and it's rolling out to more people over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Akan, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.16.10.72: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to replace the green verification badge with a blue checkmark for verified channels and businesses! |
CHANNEL CATEGORY
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.10.20 update, we announced that WhatsApp was rolling out a category feature for the channels directory. This new feature aimed at enhancing content discovery and it automatically organizes channels into relevant categories, simplifying the exploration process for users. It appears that WhatsApp now intends to offer iOS users the same opportunity to experiment with the improved channel directory, as it already does for the Android version. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.16.10.73 update, which is available on TestFlight, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a category feature for the channels directory!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can now explore channel content by selecting from seven predefined categories: Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, News and Information, Organizations, People, and Sports. It is important to note that channel owners do not need to manually add or assign a category to their channels, as this categorization process is handled automatically by WhatsApp. The system intelligently sorts channels into the appropriate categories, ensuring an efficient user experience without additional input required from channel creators.
With the new categorization feature in the channels directory, users can take full advantage of a more organized and intuitive browsing experience. By selecting one of the seven predefined categories, users can easily narrow down their search to specific areas of interest. Users can also filter search results by category, allowing them to refine their search even further and quickly find channels that match their exact preferences. This targeted approach allows users to quickly find and explore channels that align with their preferences, making it easier to discover new and relevant content. In addition, we believe that the enhanced experience offered by the new channels directory might encourage users to explore categories they might not have considered before.
A category feature for the channels directory is available to some beta testers who install the latest versions of WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app, and it's rolling out to more people over the coming weeks.
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