WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.30.10.70: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 25.30.10.70.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets users reserve their usernames in advance of the upcoming rollout, and it will be available in a future update!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Username reservation |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.30.5: what's new? WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets channel admins create and share a quiz! |
WhatsApp is Developing Feature to Reserve Username on iOS
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.29.14 update, we announced that a feature that will allow users to reserve their preferred username is under development. This functionality will offer users the opportunity to secure their desired identifiers in advance, ensuring they have exclusive access to them once the full username system is officially rolled out. By introducing the username reservation process, WhatsApp aims to provide a fair and organized way for users to claim unique usernames ahead of time, minimizing conflicts and helping manage the high demand expected upon launch.
It appears that WhatsApp now intends to bring the same username reservation functionality to iOS users in the future, ensuring a consistent experience across both platforms. This update further reinforces WhatsApp's focus on expanding the upcoming username feature, preparing its infrastructure for a broader rollout. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.30.10.70 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets users reserve their usernames in advance of the upcoming rollout!
Introducing Username Reservation Development on WhatsApp for iOS
WhatsApp is preparing to launch a dedicated feature that allows users to reserve their desired usernames before the official release of the full username system. This new addition will give iOS users the chance to secure their preferred identifiers early, preventing them from being taken by others once the feature becomes widely available. As indicated in the latest beta code, WhatsApp is actively testing the underlying infrastructure required for this rollout, marking a significant step toward making usernames a reality on WhatsApp.
The feature is still under development, but its development in the most recent iOS beta suggests that WhatsApp is nearing the testing phase. This progress indicates that WhatsApp is getting closer to offering users an organized way to claim unique usernames, which will soon become an integral part of the app's identity system. It's important to note that while WhatsApp will announce that usernames are "coming soon", the company has not clarified exactly what timeframe "soon" refers to.
How the Username Reservation Process Works
When this feature becomes available, users will be able to reserve a WhatsApp username of their choice during an early-access phase. This period will allow a larger group of users to secure usernames before the complete rollout of the full username system. To successfully reserve a username, it must meet WhatsApp's established guidelines and still be available at the time of reservation.
Once the reservation is complete, the username will be linked to the user's account, ensuring exclusive ownership when the feature launches publicly. This process aims to make username management more efficient while giving everyone a fair opportunity to choose a name that best represents them. By organizing reservations ahead of time, WhatsApp can better balance availability and reduce competition during the final release.
Requirements for Reserving a WhatsApp Username
According to the information found in the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.17.10.70 update, WhatsApp is implementing clear requirements for creating and reserving usernames. These rules are meant to ensure safety, consistency, and fairness across the platform. For instance, usernames cannot start with "www." or end with domains like ".com" or ".net" to prevent confusion with external websites. They must also include at least one letter and can only contain lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), underscores, and periods.
Furthermore, usernames cannot conflict with those already reserved by others. They must be unique across WhatsApp and include between 3 and 30 characters, although in certain cases users may have the option to select a username containing up to 35 characters. Periods cannot appear at the beginning or end of a username, and consecutive periods are not allowed. Users are also encouraged to avoid impersonating others or choosing misleading names, helping maintain a trusted and transparent username ecosystem.
Tips for Choosing the Best WhatsApp Username
When selecting a username, users should consider how easily they want others to find them. Since usernames can be used to connect with people directly, WhatsApp will also offer an optional layer of security called the username key. This feature adds a code requirement for first-time contacts, so even if someone knows your username, they won't be able to message you unless they also have your unique key.
If you enable this protection, you can safely use a recognizable or simple username, even the same one used across other social platforms, without worrying about unwanted messages. On the other hand, users who prefer not to use the username key may want to choose a less obvious or more private name to limit their visibility. However, this decision remains entirely up to each user, as WhatsApp will still provide the option to block unwanted contacts even if they choose an easy-to-guess or familiar handle. This means that the balance between discoverability and privacy will depend on how each person intends to use the feature.
Why Username Reservation Matters
Introducing the ability to reserve usernames before the system launches is an important step toward ensuring fairness and stability. WhatsApp often launches new features in gradual stages, and major functionalities can be released very slowly. If you happen to belong to a later rollout group, many popular usernames could already be taken, leaving fewer options available. In such cases, there is a high chance that someone else has already claimed the exact username you wanted.
The reservation process will change this by allowing a larger group of users to secure their preferred identifiers earlier. This ensures that more people can access the feature simultaneously, rather than waiting for weeks or months. As a result, the system becomes more balanced, preventing early users from monopolizing desirable usernames. By allowing users to reserve names in advance, WhatsApp ensures that everyone can participate in a fair and transparent process, helping shape a smoother launch for the complete username system.
The Reason Behind WhatsApp's Slow Username Development
The development of usernames on WhatsApp has taken a significant amount of time. We first announced this feature in the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15 update on May 24, 2023. Since then, WhatsApp has been carefully preparing for its implementation. Traditionally, WhatsApp has relied on phone numbers as the primary identifiers for accounts. Over the past two years, WhatsApp has been migrating to a new type of identifier that can be used for all app interactions.
The new system ensures that phone numbers remain hidden whenever users connect via usernames, whether through messages or calls. Implementing this change required extensive work both on the backend and within the app's code, shifting operations from relying on phone numbers to using a new identifier system to maintain privacy. Even all database operations and account processes are gradually being adapted to work with the new identifier system. This careful approach will help prevent potential issues while providing a consistent experience for all users once usernames become widely available.
Release Timeline for Username Reservation
The username reservation feature for iOS is still under development and is expected to arrive in a future update. While there is no confirmed release date yet, the feature will be available before the full username system is introduced to all users. WhatsApp will likely expand access quickly, allowing iOS users to try the feature as part of an initial rollout phase. This gradual deployment strategy will ensure that the reservation process runs smoothly and that users can claim their preferred usernames without complications. As always, we will continue to monitor development closely and share additional details on this website as soon as the feature becomes available in future beta versions.
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