WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.1.10.71: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 25.1.10.71.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to show the website icon for shared links, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.13 update, we announced that a feature to show the website icon for shared links is available to some beta testers. This update aims to enhance the visual clarity of shared links by displaying the favicon within the message bubble, providing users with a quicker way to identify the source of the link. It appears that WhatsApp now intends to offer iOS users the same enhanced link-sharing experience as it already does for the Android version, aiming to provide a consistent experience across both platforms. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.1.10.71 update, which is available on TestFlight, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to show the website icon for shared links!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new feature that introduces the favicon, a small graphical representation or logo of a website, directly into the preview of shared links in conversations. Favicons are commonly used in web browsers, appearing in tabs, bookmarks, and address bars to help users quickly recognize a website. By adding the favicon to the rich preview of links, WhatsApp enables users to visually associate the shared link with its source, even before opening it.

For many users, recognizing a website by its logo can be easier and faster than identifying it through its domain name. This small but impactful addition makes link previews more visually appealing, but it also provides a quicker way for users to verify if the link originates from a familiar or trusted source. While this feature is a step forward in enhancing user experience, it's important to note that favicons are purely visual elements. They do not serve as a real verification of the website authenticity or safety. A malicious or compromised website could easily use a misleading favicon to trick users into thinking it is trustworthy. For this reason, users should avoid relying solely on the favicon when determining whether a link is safe to open.

To ensure safety while browsing shared links, users should always check the domain name carefully and remain vigilant about suspicious or unexpected content. Even with the added convenience of a favicon, it's essential to independently verify the legitimacy of links, especially when they come from unfamiliar sources. This means that the presence of a favicon does not replace the need for a careful evaluation of shared links. Users should continue to practice caution, particularly with links received from unknown contacts or groups.

A feature to show the website icon for shared links 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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