WhatsApp for Mac 25.22.79: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Mac update through the App Store, bringing the version up to 25.22.79.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to filter unread, favorite, and group chats, and it's available to some users!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.25.10.76 update, we announced that a feature to filter chats was available. This feature introduces a new filter row at the top of the chat list, allowing users to quickly switch between different views of their conversations. With just a tap, users can filter their chat list to display only unread chats, favorite conversations, or group chats. It appears that WhatsApp now intends to offer Mac users the same chat filter functionality as it already does for the iOS mobile app, aiming to provide a consistent experience across both platforms. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp for Mac 25.22.79 update, which is available on the App Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to filter unread, favorite, and group chats!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some users can now explore a new feature that places the filter row directly at the top of their chat list. Previously, users could view unread chats using a dedicated button located next to the contact selector. Now, with the latest update, the filter has been fully integrated into the chat interface, making the process more intuitive. This change greatly improves usability by reducing the number of taps required to reach specific chats.

The first filter is "Unread", which allows users to view only conversations that contain messages they have not yet opened. Since WhatsApp also lets users manually mark chats as unread, these will also appear in the same filtered view. This provides a very practical way to keep track of important conversations that users may want to revisit later. For example, a user might open a message but still flag it as unread in order to respond at a more convenient time. With the new filter row, all such chats are gathered in one place, helping users prioritize replies more effectively.

The second filter is Favorites, which introduces a new level of personalization. Users can designate certain contacts as favorites, making them easier to find and manage. Once added to the favorites list, these contacts are always accessible through the dedicated filter option. This ensures that important people, such as family members or close colleagues, are never buried under a long list of conversations. The favorites filter therefore becomes a powerful tool for users who want to maintain quick access to their most meaningful chats. It also helps reduce distractions by hiding less relevant conversations when necessary.

Finally, the Groups filter is one of the most significant additions for users who participate in many community or work-related chats. This option gathers all group conversations into a single, organized view. Instead of scrolling through the entire chat list to locate a group discussion, users can instantly switch to the groups filter and access them directly. This is particularly useful for those who belong to multiple communities, work projects, or social circles. By isolating group conversations, WhatsApp makes it easier to engage in collaborative discussions without missing updates.

With this feature, users now have the flexibility to focus on the messages that matter most to them, whether that means prioritizing pending replies, keeping close contacts at hand, or managing group discussions more efficiently. This filtering system has already been tested on iPhone, and the rollout to Mac confirms a strategy of creating a unified ecosystem. This consistency allows users to switch between their phone and Mac without losing access to the same organizational tools.

A feature to filter unread, favorite, and group chats is available to some users who install the latest versions of WhatsApp for Mac from the App Store, and it's rolling out to more people over the coming weeks.

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