WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.17.10.80: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 25.17.10.80.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out an optional feature to allow resharing and forwarding status updates, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Reshare and forward status updates |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.17.10.80 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users may experiment with the same feature by installing certain previous updates. |
| I've installed this update but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers and it's rolling out to more people over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Akan and Ahmed Ghanem, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.18.9: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out an optional feature to allow resharing and forwarding status updates! |
RESHARE AND FORWARD STATUS UPDATES
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.18.9 update, we announced that a feature to reshare and forward status updates is available. This feature enables users to have more control over the visibility of their content by allowing or restricting the resharing of individual status updates. It is designed to enhance flexibility and help users reach broader audiences when desired, particularly for announcements, promotions, or community-related messages. It appears that WhatsApp now intends to offer iOS users the same resharing functionality as it already does for the Android version, aiming to provide a consistent experience across both platforms. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.17.10.80 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out an optional feature to allow resharing and forwarding status updates!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new feature that allows them to choose whether their status updates can be reshared by their contacts. Until now, only status updates in which a user was directly mentioned could be reshared by others, as WhatsApp limited resharing to private mentions in order to maintain user privacy and prevent uncontrolled distribution of content.
With this new update, WhatsApp is expanding the resharing functionality, giving users more control over how their content is shared. Specifically, users can now decide whether any of their status updates can be reshared, regardless of whether they contain a mention. This means that status updates without any mentions can still be forwarded or reshared, as long as the original poster has enabled the resharing option.
If the feature is available, a tooltip will appear during the creation of a status update, informing users of the new resharing option, making it easier for them to discover and activate the feature. Additionally, users can manage this resharing preference at any time through the privacy settings of their status updates, allowing them to enable or disable the option according to their needs.
This feature is particularly useful for someone promoting an event, sharing a time-sensitive alert, or spreading awareness in their local community. By allowing their status updates to be reshared, users can ensure important information reaches people beyond their immediate contacts. This can help generate greater visibility, encourage participation, and amplify messages that matter.
When a status update is reshared, the original author receives a notification to let them know that one of their contacts has forwarded the content. However, people who view the reshared status will not see who originally posted it. This is part of WhatsApp's approach to maintaining user privacy, especially for sensitive information like phone numbers and profile photos.
It's important to note that when someone reshares a status update that has already been forwarded, WhatsApp treats it as a new version attributed to the second sharer. In this case, any further resharing activity only notifies the most recent sharer, not the original author. This design ensures that each step in the resharing chain is private and disconnected from previous steps, as WhatsApp currently avoids linking the reshared content back to its original source to protect user privacy.
An optional feature to allow resharing and forwarding status updates 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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