WhatsApp for iOS 24.8.85: what's new?

WhatsApp has just submitted a new stable update for iOS, available on the App Store: the build number is 24.8.85.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is widely rolling out a new channel update forwarding feature to everyone!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.9.24 update, we announced that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to allow users to quickly forward channel updates. Through this new shortcut, WhatsApp aims to increase engagement with channel updates, making it easier for users to forward them in their chats and groups. Recently, the WhatsApp for iOS 24.8.85 update was released on the App Store. Currently, the official changelog doesn’t provide useful information regarding which new features are available in this version, and it’s often outdated. However, we just discovered that WhatsApp is widely rolling out a new channel update forwarding feature to everyone!

The official changelog still highlights important enhancements like the ability to record and share instant video messages, as well as a double-tap feature to quickly forward or rewind videos. We previously shared a report about these features in our article covering the WhatsApp for iOS 24.6.77 update. However, even though it’s not mentioned in the official changelog on the App Store, we can also confirm that WhatsApp is releasing a new forwarding button that lets users quickly share channel updates with their chats and groups. It is important to note that this feature builds on the existing capability to forward channel updates, but with a significant improvement: a more convenient process in sharing channel content. The new button is conveniently located next to the reaction view, so it's now possible to forward updates without opening the context menu.

This feature encourages users to share channel updates with their contacts and groups more frequently, as the shortcut makes it easier to forward information from channels. With a simple tap, users can quickly send channel updates to their desired recipients, reducing the effort previously required to open the context menu. We believe that the addition of the forwarding button has the potential to improve how users interact with these updates and involve more people to follow new channels.

If you don’t have this feature, note that some accounts may receive it over the coming weeks, although it has not been indicated in the official changelog. Please stay ahead by regularly updating WhatsApp from the App Store and the TestFlight app to get this feature in the future in case you don’t have it after installing this update. By staying proactive in updating your app, you can ensure that you're always equipped with the latest and most advanced features WhatsApp has to offer.

A feature to quickly forward channel updates is available for iOS users who install the latest update of WhatsApp from the App Store. Make sure to install this update to enjoy a better user experience.

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