WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.20.10.76: what's new?

WhatsApp has just submitted a new update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 24.20.10.76.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy feature to manage the contact syncing option, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.19.12 update, we announced that WhatsApp was working on a contact syncing option. This feature will give users greater control over how their contacts are synchronized across multiple accounts, allowing them to disable contact syncing for specific accounts to maintain privacy. By disabling this feature, users can also ensure their contact lists remain separate, and all contacts saved to WhatsApp will be deleted. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this feature with the public, as some beta testers can now see a new option to manage contacts syncing. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.20.10.76 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy feature to manage the contact syncing option!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new privacy option to manage contacts across their devices. This feature provides users with greater flexibility by allowing them to add and manage contacts directly from their linked devices. With this update, users no longer need to rely on their mobile phone to update or add new contacts, as changes made on any linked device will sync across all their devices. In addition, users can choose whether to sync contacts with their phone's address book or keep them stored only within WhatsApp.

It’s important to highlight that this feature enables users to manage their contacts more effectively without compromising their privacy. Users who disable contact syncing from their device can rest assured that WhatsApp will not store their contacts on its servers or share them with Meta or other Meta companies for external use. Instead, WhatsApp prioritizes privacy by using cryptographic hashes to protect the phone numbers of contacts who don't have a WhatsApp account. It is worth noting that the new contact management system also provides an added layer of security for the entire platform. By creating cryptographic hashes for phone numbers, WhatsApp can monitor and detect any unusual changes in address books, such as those that may indicate misuse of the contact upload feature in an attempt to discover who uses WhatsApp. This process is done without tracking or comparing individual numbers, making it a robust privacy measure that protects user information while still allowing WhatsApp to identify potential abuse.

Users always maintain control over contact syncing through device-based settings, allowing them to enable or disable this feature based on their preferences. When contact syncing is disabled, contact information will not be uploaded, which may limit certain functionalities like contact discovery. However, users can still communicate with their existing WhatsApp contacts even without syncing. Additionally, contacts will be automatically restored if users change phones, reinstall the app, or link a new device, ensuring enhanced access to their contact list across different devices. If users wish to opt out of the new contact experience entirely and do not want to create, add, or edit contacts within WhatsApp or store them for future use, they can disable WhatsApp contacts in their settings at any time.

A new privacy feature to manage the contact syncing option is available to some beta testers who install the latest version 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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