WhatsApp Beta for iOS Starts Testing Sticker Suggestions Feature While Typing
WhatsApp has started testing a feature in its iOS beta that brings sticker suggestions directly into the chat experience. This addition allows users to access relevant stickers without opening the sticker panel, making conversations more dynamic. Currently, the feature is available to a limited number of beta testers through the TestFlight program. Over time, it is expected to reach a broader group of users as the rollout continues.
Sticker Suggestions Are Available in WhatsApp Beta for iOS
The latest iOS beta update, version 26.1.10.72, introduces a functionality that recommends stickers while users type their messages. This system builds on emoji input by displaying sticker previews that match the meaning of typed emojis directly above the keyboard. Users can tap a suggested sticker to send it instantly, reducing the need to manually browse through multiple sticker packs. Such a feature is especially useful during fast-paced chats where quick visual responses enhance the flow of conversation.
WhatsApp appears to be aligning the iOS experience with features already available on the Android beta, aiming for consistency across platforms. Beta testers can now see sticker suggestions appear dynamically as they compose messages, offering a smoother and more immediate way to use visual reactions. The suggestions are integrated into the chat interface, making it possible to select stickers without interrupting the typing process. This approach mirrors the interaction patterns already familiar to Android users but adapted for iOS design conventions.
The sticker suggestion system relies on predefined associations between emojis and stickers. Only stickers that have these associations embedded will appear in the suggestions, ensuring that recommendations are relevant to the message context. Third-party sticker apps on iOS often allow multiple emojis to be linked to a single sticker, improving the chances of accurate suggestions. This design also helps users rediscover older stickers that might otherwise remain unused in their collection.
Stickers created with WhatsApp's native editor on iOS currently lack emoji associations, which means they do not appear in the suggestion system. Users relying solely on the built-in editor may notice fewer suggestions compared to those who use third-party packs. On the other hand, stickers downloaded from the official WhatsApp Sticker Store are fully compatible and appear seamlessly while typing. This distinction ensures that the system maintains contextual accuracy while surfacing the most relevant visual options.
From a practical standpoint, this feature streamlines the use of stickers in everyday messaging. Instead of navigating through multiple packs, users can now send expressive visuals immediately when an emoji is typed. This reduces friction in conversations and encourages quicker, more spontaneous responses. By simplifying access to stickers, WhatsApp enhances the overall visual communication experience within chats.
Currently, sticker suggestions are being tested by a select group of beta users on iOS through TestFlight. Some users on the stable App Store version may also see the feature in limited scenarios. The availability is gradually expanding, allowing WhatsApp to observe performance and refine the system before a wider release. As the rollout progresses, more users are expected to gain access to this way of enhancing chats with stickers.
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