WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.11.10.72: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 25.11.10.72.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature to notify users when the username changes, and it will be available in a future update!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Username updates |
| Status? | Under development |
| Availability? | WhatsApp is currently working on bringing a feature to notify users when the username changes to a future update of the app. |
| I have the same version but I don't have this feature, why? | This feature is under development so it's not ready for beta testers, but you can read this article to discover a preview. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp news of the week: avatar sticker sharing update is available for Android and iOS! |
USERNAME UPDATES
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.4.11 update, we announced that a feature that automatically shares username updates was under development. This feature is designed to enhance user awareness by displaying in-chat notifications whenever a contact or group member sets, changes, or removes their username. This would ensure greater transparency and reducing the risk of confusion or impersonation in conversations. Although the feature to choose a username is still under development, it appears that WhatsApp now intends to bring the same experience with notifying username changes to iOS users in the future. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.11.10.72 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to notify users when the username changes!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will automatically notify users directly within their chats whenever a contact updates their username. This means that every time a user sets, modifies, or deletes their username, a system-generated message will appear in the conversation to inform participants of the change. While this feature is scheduled for release in a future update and the exact rollout date remains unknown, this information is certainly good news in the meantime, as it confirms that WhatsApp is continuing to actively work on username support behind the scenes.
This feature is designed to ensure transparency in communication once the ability to choose a username is released. Transparency is essential in avoiding misunderstandings or suspicions when names or identifiers suddenly change, as users might otherwise be left confused about who they are speaking to. In addition to transparency, this feature also aims to enhance user awareness. If someone changes their username and their contacts are not informed, it could lead to confusion when trying to locate that person later. For example, users who remember a contact by their previous username might continue searching for them using outdated information. By receiving in-chat notifications, users are immediately made aware of the change and can mentally associate the new username with the contact, avoiding any disruption in communication.
The approach to notifying username updates also plays a role in supporting the authenticity of unknown users, at least to a certain extent. When a contact's username changes drastically, for example from something that clearly identifies a person to a completely unrelated name, it may raise legitimate questions about whether the contact is still the same person. This is especially relevant in scenarios involving unknown participants or when there's a risk of impersonation. Users will be able to trace the identity evolution of their contacts and spot suspicious behavior more easily through these chat notifications. This may not offer complete identity verification, but it adds an extra layer of awareness that helps prevent social engineering or impersonation attempts.
It is worth noting that these username change notifications do not appear to be optional. This means that an option to disable or hide them is not planned at the moment. This is likely a deliberate choice to ensure that everyone remains informed, regardless of their notification settings. In the long term, making username updates visible may also encourage users to think more carefully before changing their usernames, knowing that their changes are publicly noted within their chats.
A feature to notify users when the username changes 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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