WhatsApp is testing cover photo privacy settings for iOS
WhatsApp continues to refine the iOS app with new features aimed at enhancing profile personalization. The latest beta update reveals functionality that will allow users to control the visibility of cover photos on their profiles. While this feature is still under development, it indicates how WhatsApp is expanding privacy options beyond traditional profile elements.
WhatsApp explores privacy controls for cover photos on iOS
The recent iOS beta update with build version 26.1.10.73 provides a glimpse into a feature that will allow users to customize cover photos on their profiles. This addition will enable a wide image at the top of a personal profile, enhancing the look of user profiles while keeping configuration straightforward within the app's settings. Users will be able to update, reposition, or remove cover photos at any time without impacting their profile picture or other account information. Cover photo management is still being developed, with WhatsApp working on stability and usability to ensure a smooth experience once it becomes available.
The update reveals that WhatsApp is working on privacy controls for cover photos, which will allow users to manage who can view these images. Although the feature is still under development and not yet available to beta testers, it is already designed to mirror the layout used for profile photo, About, and Last Seen privacy options. Once implemented, this structure will help users understand how to adjust visibility without introducing a new interface. These upcoming controls are intended to provide flexibility in sharing cover photos while keeping the management process consistent with existing privacy settings.
The first available privacy option is "Everyone", which will allow any WhatsApp user to view the cover photo, including those not saved in a contact list. This choice is suited for users who prefer a public presence or frequently interact with people outside their personal contacts. It mirrors existing public profile elements and ensures that the cover photo is visible without additional configuration.
A more selective option, "My contacts", limits visibility to people saved in the user's address book. This provides a balanced level of privacy while keeping the profile visually complete for friends and family. Additionally, a "My contacts except" option will allow users to block specific contacts from seeing the cover photo. This selective approach adds flexibility, enabling users to exclude certain individuals without hiding the image entirely. Finally, the "Nobody" option will completely conceal the cover photo from all other users, creating a minimal or fully private profile.
Privacy settings for cover photos let users decide who can view the large image at the top of their WhatsApp profile, giving precise control over profile visibility. By selecting options like "Everyone", "My contacts", or "My contacts except", users can adjust how widely their visual identity is shared. A cover photo adds another layer to a profile, allowing people to express personality, interests, or a professional style in a way that complements the profile picture. These controls make it possible to protect personal content from unwanted viewers while still highlighting elements that users want to share with friends or colleagues.
Once fully implemented, these settings will let users tailor cover photo visibility to their personal comfort. WhatsApp is still fine-tuning how these controls integrate with the privacy section, aiming for a consistent experience with other visibility options once the feature rolls out in a future update.
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