WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.2.10.73: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 26.2.10.73.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to share their chat history with new group members, and it's available to some beta testers!

WhatsApp is rolling out the group chat history sharing feature on iOS

In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.1.28 update, we announced a feature that lets users share their group chat history with other members. This feature allows new group members to receive messages shared before they joined the group. This makes it easier for users to understand the purpose of the group and why it has been created. Instead of asking others to provide a summary or send a screenshot of previous messages, users can automate the process and receive previous messages when consent has been granted for sharing.

Now, WhatsApp is expanding this feature to a wider audience, making it finally available for the iOS app as well. This means the experience between the two mobile platforms is now aligned and allows more users to experience this functionality. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.2.10.73 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to share their chat history with new group members.

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can share the group's recent chat history with new members. This feature ensures that new members can receive up to 100 recent messages shared in the group over the last 14 days. Once they receive these messages, they will be updated on what was discussed in the group before they even joined. This functionality finally addresses the issue of new group members needing to ask about past messages.

To check whether this feature is available, users must add a new member to the group. From the group chat info screen, users have to select the "Add Member" option. Once selected the member from the contacts list, the option to share recent messages may appear at the bottom of the screen. If it does, users can decide to share up to 100 messages, allowing the new member to quickly catch up on recent conversations. However, WhatsApp also allows users to select a smaller number of messages if they prefer to limit what is shared.

Messages shared using this feature are highlighted in a different color, making them easier for new members to recognize in the conversation. For existing members, WhatsApp ensures transparency by letting everyone know that recent messages have been sent to the new member. To maintain clarity, WhatsApp adds a new message to the group chat, indicating the name of the user who shared the messages with the new group member. The sharing process uses the messages and encryption key on the device of the user who added the new member. Recent messages are again protected by end-to-end encryption and are securely delivered to the new member.

It's important to note that this feature is disabled by default. This means that WhatsApp does not automatically send recent chat history to new group members, as the person adding new members will always decide whether or not to share recent messages. WhatsApp also presents confirmation alerts when users attempt to share messages with new members. These alerts are typically displayed three times. From the fourth time onward, messages are shared as soon as the user confirms the action, but they will still need to enable the option.

The feature that allows users to share their chat history with new group members is available to some beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS update from TestFlight. This is a gradual rollout that allows WhatsApp to evaluate performance and resolve issues ahead of the official release. Although a release date for the wider audience has not been announced, some beta testers can already share messages with users who do not yet have the feature enabled on their accounts.

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