WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.22.10.74: what's new?
WhatsApp has just submitted a new update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 24.22.10.74.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a new widget that lets users access status updates, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Widget for status updates |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.22.10.74 and 24.22.10.72 are two compatible 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 days. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.23.6: what's new? WhatsApp is working on a feature to search for updates within channels! |
WhatsApp introduces a widget to access favorite chats
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.21.10.70 update, we announced that WhatsApp was rolling out a new widget to access chats. This widget allows users to connect with their favorite chats and groups directly from the Home Screen. It offers customizable access to important conversations with just a tap. Users can personalize the widget to display favorite contacts, pinned chats, recent conversations, or frequently contacted people and group chats. These options makes the widget highly flexible to fit individual preferences.
WhatsApp launches more widgets for added convenience
It appears that WhatsApp is committed to further enhancing user experience by supporting new widgets that improve interactions. These also make important information always accessible without opening the app. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.22.10.74 update, which is available on TestFlight, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a new widget that lets users access status updates!
WhatsApp is rolling out a new widget to view status updates
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a revamped widget to access status updates. WhatsApp previously offered a widget for viewing status updates. However, it was built using outdated APIs. The older widget lacked the depth and fluidity that modern iOS integrations offer. Since Apple keeps improving its system APIs, the old widget became progressively less compatible with the latest iOS updates, particularly with iOS 18. As a result, WhatsApp silently removed this outdated widget last year to introduce a more advanced solution.
The new WhatsApp widget for status updates uses a modern technology
This new widget finally leverages Apple's latest widget APIs. This means that the widget has been built with deeper integration with system features. Users can add it directly to the Home Screen. It is designed specifically for those who frequently use the Status feature to share updates. Adding this widget to the Home Screen allows users to catch up on what their contacts shared in real-time. So it offers a quick and convenient way to view updates without opening the app. The widget displays the most recent status updates, and it prioritizes content from the contacts users interact with most frequently.
New WhatsApp widgets for status updates in different sizes
WhatsApp has introduced two different widgets for status updates that differ in size. The first one is a smaller widget that displays the latest status update from a single contact. It is helpful for those users who want quick access to updates from a specific contact. The second widget is larger that the other. It provides a larger view, and it allows users to see status updates from up to three contacts. This means that WhatsApp lets users choose the widget size that best fits their needs, whether they prefer a focused view or a snapshot of multiple updates at once.
How WhatsApp may choose which contacts appear in the widget
Some users might wonder which contacts will be visible within the widget. This selection depends on several factors based on how WhatsApp has configured the widget. For example, WhatsApp might prioritize to show contacts who have shared a recent status update. In this case, users see the latest updates as soon as they're available. Alternatively, the widget might focus on updates from frequently contacted people. With this setting, users can quickly learn more on updates shared from those they usually interact with most. If you're interested in a deeper dive into how WhatsApp prioritizes status updates, we recommend exploring our detailed article, since it contains important insights into the status ranking feature.
Availability of the new WhatsApp status widget on iOS beta
The new widget to access status updates is available to some beta testers who install the latest version of WhatsApp beta for iOS from TestFlight. If you do not see the new widget, note that it is currently rolling out to more people over the coming days. Once available, users will be able to catch up on status updates shared by their contacts without opening the app.
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