WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.8.10.72: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 26.8.10.72.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that brings redesigned filters and recent searches to the Chats tab, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Filter media files in chats |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.8.10.72 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users may experiment with 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: | IgnacioAF and Gabriel, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp for iOS 26.8.75: what's new? WhatsApp is widely rolling out a feature that suggests stickers as users type an emoji in their chats! |
WhatsApp is rolling out redesigned filters and recent chat searches
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.6.10.70 update, we announced a feature that lets users filter the media gallery in their chats. This functionality introduces a redesigned interface for the gallery. Here, users can filter their media files by several options, including Photos, Videos, Links, Documents, and GIFs. Some users may also see a dedicated filter that shows only stickers shared in a conversation. This new filter helps users quickly find specific stickers without scrolling through other media.
Now, WhatsApp is launching a similar redesigned interface to the search section. This new layout aligns the search experience with the updated media gallery, as it offers a more consistent design and quicker access to categorized results across chats. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.8.10.72 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that brings redesigned filters and recent searches to the Chats tab.
As you can see from the attached image, some beta testers can explore a feature that lets them locate their messages through a revamped interface. In the previous updates, users were already able to filter their media files using several options directly within the search interface. These include quick filters for photos, GIFs, links, videos, documents, audio, polls, and events. These filters appear in a vertical list, and users can narrow down results instantly by tapping any category to view only the relevant content.
With the latest update, WhatsApp is now adopting the same layout implemented in the new media gallery. This means that WhatsApp is presenting the same filters in a horizontal view that offers a more modern appearance. The updated design replaces the previous vertical list with a more compact and modern layout. Users can scroll through media categories to see more options directly within the search screen.
The search interface also highlights recent searches now, making it faster to repeat previous queries. This feature helps users locate their chats and groups they've recently searched for. Recent searches always appear in a dedicated section at the top of the search screen. However, users are always in control over their searches, as it is possible to clear them at any time. Note that any text entered into the search bar is not logged by the app, as only recently searched contacts and groups are saved. Additionally, WhatsApp does not store a record of your searches on its servers. The results you see in the search bar are saved only on your device.
Users can tap any item from the recent searches section to instantly open the chat or the group without retyping it. This behavior ensures that commonly searched chats remain always available. As a result, WhatsApp is making the search experience more responsive to each user's habits. Note that Android users can already explore the same functionality after installing the WhatsApp for Android 2.26.3.80 update.
The feature that brings redesigned filters and recent searches to the Chats tab is available to some beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS update from TestFlight. This gradual rollout allows WhatsApp to monitor performance before the official release. As often happens, some users who install the latest version from the App Store may also explore the same feature. Expanding availability for different groups of users allows WhatsApp to get feedback from a larger audience.
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