WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.1.10.72: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 26.1.10.72.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that suggests stickers as users type their messages, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Sticker suggestions |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.1.10.72 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users may get the same feature by installing certain previous updates. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Akan and Borja, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp Is Developing Secondary Accounts for Parental Control and Interaction Limits! |
Sticker Suggestions While Typing Now Rolling Out on WhatsApp Beta for iOS
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.34.11 update, we announced that a feature that lets users get sticker suggestions as users type their messages is available. This functionality builds on emoji input by showing relevant sticker previews directly in the chat bar before the message is sent. It reduces the need to manually browse sticker packs, saving time and effort during conversations. The feature is especially useful in fast-paced chats where users want to respond visually and quickly without interrupting the flow. Over time, it can also encourage more frequent sticker usage by making expressive options easier to discover and access.
It appears that WhatsApp now intends to offer iOS users the same sticker suggestion feature that are already being tested on the Android version, aiming to provide a more consistent experience across both platforms. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.1.10.72 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that suggests stickers as users type their messages!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new way of interacting with stickers directly from the chat bar, without opening the sticker panel. When an emoji is typed, WhatsApp may display a suggestion for a sticker that visually match the meaning of that emoji. These suggestions appear dynamically while composing the message, allowing users to send a sticker instantly with a single tap. This behavior mirrors what has already been observed on Android, but it is now being adapted to fit the iOS interface and interaction patterns.
The feature relies on predefined emoji associations that are linked to stickers during their creation process. Only stickers that include these associations are eligible to appear as suggestions while typing, ensuring that results remain relevant and contextually accurate. Several third-party sticker creation apps on iOS already support assigning multiple emojis to a single sticker, which improves the chances of the sticker appearing at the right moment. This system helps WhatsApp filter suggestions efficiently, even for users who have many sticker packs downloaded.
Thanks to this mechanism, users can also benefit from a more intuitive way to rediscover older stickers that might otherwise remain buried in the sticker keyboard. Typing a simple emoji can now surface stickers that match a mood, reaction, or gesture without additional steps. This approach reduces friction during conversations, especially in chats where speed and spontaneity matter. It also makes emoji-based navigation smarter, since emojis now act as a bridge between text input and visual reactions.
It is worth noting that stickers created using WhatsApp's built-in sticker editor on iOS still lack support for emoji associations. As a consequence, those stickers are currently excluded from the suggestion system and will not appear while typing. Users who rely exclusively on the internal editor may therefore see fewer suggestions compared to those who use third-party sticker packs. On the other hand, all sticker packs downloaded from the official WhatsApp Sticker Store already include the necessary metadata and work seamlessly with this feature.
From a practical perspective, sticker suggestions can make conversations feel smoother and more engaging, especially for users who frequently communicate through visuals. Instead of interrupting a reply to search through multiple packs, relevant stickers are surfaced naturally at the right time. This small change can significantly speed up interactions and make sticker usage feel more spontaneous. It also encourages users to rely more on visual replies, since expressive stickers become easier to access at the exact moment they are needed.
The feature that suggests stickers as users type their messages is currently available to a limited group of beta testers using the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS update distributed through TestFlight. In certain scenarios, a very small subset of users on the stable App Store version may also encounter this functionality enabled on their accounts. Access is being expanded progressively and may differ depending on several internal factors defined by WhatsApp. This phased rollout allows WhatsApp to monitor performance before extending availability to a broader audience.
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