WhatsApp for iOS 25.8.74: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the App Store, bringing the version up to 25.8.74.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a real-time online activity feature for group chats, and it's available to some users!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Changelog about? | Online activity for group chats |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp for iOS 25.8.74 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users may get the same feature by installing certain previous updates. |
| I have the same version but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some users and it's rolling out to more people over the coming days. |
| Thanks: | Sc, Eloy, Thiago, and Youssef Salem, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp news of the week: default messaging and calling app option is available on iOS! |
ONLINE ACTIVITY FOR GROUP CHATS
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.25.30 update, we announced that an online counter feature for group chats was available. This feature allows users to quickly see how many group members are currently online, making it easier to gauge engagement levels at a glance. By removing the previous activity-based summary from the navigation bar, WhatsApp can now show the real-time count of group members currently online, offering immediate insights into potential responsiveness. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this feature with some users on the iOS app, as they have reported seeing the new overview in their group chats. With the release of the latest WhatsApp for iOS 25.8.74 update, which is available on the App Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a real-time online activity feature for group chats!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some users can access a new indicator in the conversation header displaying the number of group members who are currently online. This feature provides a useful overview of group activity, helping users understand how many members are available on WhatsApp, without revealing who they are. However, it's important to note that this count reflects the number of people currently online on WhatsApp, not necessarily those who have the group chat open. WhatsApp does not track on its servers which specific chat a user currently has open, as it only identifies whether a user is online or offline to display this information to others on the app. As a result, the online activity count cannot be limited to only those members who are actively viewing the group chat.
This feature excludes from the overview any group members who have opted to hide their online status from their privacy settings. This means that the online activity only includes users who have chosen to make their presence visible, ensuring that privacy preferences are always respected. WhatsApp does not override individual settings or disclose hidden online statuses, ensuring that the feature remains both practical and privacy-conscious. This allows group members to get a general sense of activity without compromising anyone's chosen level of privacy. Additionally, users who have disabled their online status visibility will also not be able to see how many members are currently online.
The ability to see how many group members are online at a glance is particularly convenient for coordinating conversations, as users can determine the best time to send important messages. The online activity can act as an indicator of responsiveness within a group, helping users gauge the expectation of receiving timely replies. If a user opens a group chat and sees that several members are online, they can reasonably expect a quicker response compared to a group where no one is currently online. This can be especially helpful when sending time-sensitive messages or starting real-time discussions, as a higher number of online members increases the chances of immediate engagement.
This feature can also be beneficial for large communities and community announcement groups, where administrators must ensure their messages reach an active audience for maximum impact. In these settings, timing may play a crucial role in engagement, as announcements are often important and time-sensitive. By checking the number of members currently online, group admins can determine the best moment to share updates, increasing the likelihood that their messages will be noticed and acted upon. This helps enhance the visibility of their updates while increasing the chances of immediate interaction, as messages sent when more members are online are more likely to receive quick reactions.
A real-time online activity feature for group chats is available to some users who install the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS from the App Store, and it's rolling out to more people over the coming weeks.
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