WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.18.10.70: what's new?

WhatsApp has just submitted a new update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 24.18.10.70.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on an advanced username feature with PIN support, and it will be available in a future update!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.18.2 update, we announced that WhatsApp is working on a username feature with PIN support. This update will provide users with the ability to choose a unique username that can be used instead of their phone number for new interactions. This feature will add an important new layer of privacy by allowing users to keep their phone numbers private, as they can choose to be contacted via their username instead. Although it is still under development, it seems that WhatsApp is now in the process of introducing new safety tools to further enhance user privacy and control. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.18.10.70 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on an advanced username feature with integrated PIN support!

As you can see in the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring a username feature to bring an advanced experience that prioritizes user privacy, scheduled for release in a future update. With this new feature, users can hide their phone numbers from people they interact with for the first time, making communication more secure and private in the future. This is particularly useful for users who want to maintain their anonymity or limit the exposure of their phone number. Users will also be able to choose how they want to start new conversations, whether by using their username or their phone number, giving them greater control over their interactions.

To provide even more control, WhatsApp is also working on an optional Username PIN feature to add an extra layer of security, ensuring that only those who have the correct PIN can contact your username for the first time. This PIN will act as a gatekeeper, allowing users to control who can reach out to them through their username. When someone attempts to contact you for the first time using your username, they will need to enter the correct PIN that you've set. It is worth noting that users will be able to change or delete their Username PIN at any time, even after someone has successfully reached out to them. This means that if you want to prevent others from contacting you through your username in the future, you can simply update your PIN without changing your username, as this move will effectively block access for those who don't have the new code.

It's important to ensure that the Username PIN does not contain any private or sensitive information, such as the two-step verification 6-digit code. By choosing a secure and unique PIN, users can enhance their privacy and maintain greater control over who can initiate contact with them on WhatsApp. This feature is optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to use it based on your privacy needs. If you choose not to configure the Username PIN, your username will remain accessible for contact by anyone who knows it. In this case, users who wish to reach out to you will not need to enter a PIN and can initiate conversations without any additional verification. Existing contacts and ongoing conversations won't require the PIN, since it is specifically designed to control requests from new users who want to contact you for the first time through your username.

An advanced username feature with PIN support is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app. We will keep you updated on any further developments about this feature until it's officially released.

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