WhatsApp for iOS 26.19.77: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the App Store, bringing the version up to 26.19.77.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that limits free business broadcasts through message credits, and it's available to some users!

WhatsApp introduces limits to control business broadcast usage

In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.14.15 update, we announced a feature to limit the number of broadcast messages users can send. This feature prevents businesses from sending unlimited broadcast messages by introducing monthly usage limits. WhatsApp aims to reduces spam through the new limit. Additionally, WhatsApp pushes businesses toward using broadcast lists with clear intent and relevance. The system may vary depending on account type or region, but it generally caps usage to prevent abuse.

WhatsApp expands broadcast message limits as it rolls out the system to more users

WhatsApp rolled out the new system to share broadcast messages last year to a limited group of iOS and Android users. At the time, it was only available as a restricted rollout in select regions. Now, WhatsApp appears to be expanding the feature to more users in different regions. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp for iOS 26.19.77 update on the App Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that limits free business broadcasts through message credits.

WhatsApp enables users to reach more contacts at once through broadcast lists

Users can currently use broadcast lists to reach multiple customers at once through a single message. Every broadcast still delivers individual messages to recipients to keep conversations separate and private. Users can create a broadcast list to share messages, updates, promotions, or announcements with a selected audience. The feature relies on existing contact lists, so messages can only be sent to users who have already saved the phone number.

WhatsApp limits excessive broadcasts to reduce unwanted messages

When broadcast lists are overused, users may send too many messages to the same audience in a short period of time. This can quickly become overwhelming for others and reduce the effectiveness of the communication. In some cases, recipients may choose to block the sender if they feel the messages are too frequent or not relevant. For example, excessive use of broadcast messaging can damage the relationship between a business and its customers.

WhatsApp introduces message credits to limit broadcast messages

To balance broadcast usage and improve communication quality, WhatsApp is launching a message credits system for broadcasts. This change applies to both customers and businesses, and it introduces a defined usage cap. Users will have a clear limit on how many messages can be delivered through broadcast lists within the free plan. The limit may vary depending on the region, but it currently appears to revolve around roughly 35 messages per month. Once the available quota is reached, additional broadcast messages will no longer be included in the free plan. Users can switch to the WhatsApp Business app for additional tools offered by Business broadcasts, such as scheduling and action buttons. Additionally, businesses can track broadcast performance to better understand engagement and adjust their messaging strategy.

WhatsApp encourages users to use Channels alongside broadcast message credits

WhatsApp may offer 250 free broadcast messages per month for the first six months. Users can use these credits across one or multiple broadcasts. With this change, WhatsApp also wants to encourage users to rely on alternative communication tools available on the platform, such as Channels. Unlike broadcast lists, Channels are designed for one-way public updates that can reach a large number of users. For example, they also allow businesses to share information without requiring users to save a phone number in their contacts. This could gradually make Channels a more scalable option for announcements and recurring updates.

WhatsApp is rolling out Business Broadcast to more users on iOS

The feature that limits free business broadcasts through message credits is available to some users who install the latest update of WhatsApp for iOS from the App Store. However, it is still not available to everyone in all regions. Over the coming months, WhatsApp will make the feature available to more businesses.

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