WhatsApp is testing custom emoji reactions on iOS beta
WhatsApp is developing a feature that will let premium subscribers customize the reaction tray with their preferred emoji. At the moment, there reaction tray is the same for everyone, and there is no way to customize it right now. This feature would give subscribers a dedicated screen to build their own reaction set in the future.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | Custom reaction tray |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp tests chat themes with animated wallpapers on iOS! |
WhatsApp is testing custom emoji reactions on Android
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.29.3 update, we announced a feature that would let users replace the default emoji in the reaction tray. The six default emoji in the reaction tray are the same for everyone, and users cannot change them right now. With an upcoming update for the Android app, WhatsApp plans to let users swap out any of the six with whatever emoji they prefer. However, this would be part of the second set of features for WhatsApp Plus subscribers.
WhatsApp is now developing the same feature for iOS
We spotted this feature in development for the Android app last month. And it is still under active development. But now, WhatsApp is also working on the same feature for iOS. This suggests that WhatsApp is planning to make custom reaction trays available on both platforms. We discovered the news with the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.32.10.16 update, which is now available on TestFlight. Specifically, WhatsApp is developing a custom reaction tray for WhatsApp Plus subscribers. With this functionality, WhatsApp would give users even more control over their messaging experience.
How the current reaction tray works on WhatsApp
When users tap and hold a message, they can see the reaction tray with six emoji. The default set includes Thumbs Up, Red Heart, Face with Tears of Joy, Surprised Face, Crying Face, and Folded Hands. They are the same for every user regardless of their preferences. Users who want to react to a message using a different emoji have to tap the "+" button. This action opens the full emoji keyboard, where users can scroll through it to find what they need. For users who rarely use those six emoji, the default reaction tray can feel more like a limitation than a shortcut.
How the custom reaction tray will work on iPhone
In a future update, WhatsApp will address this issue by introducing default reactions. With this feature, users will be able to manage their reaction tray directly from the app settings. The attached image shows both the default set on the left and a personalized version on the right. In the second screenshot, you can see completely different emoji selected from the full keyboard. Users will be able to replace any emoji with one from the keyboard, and they can change as many as they want. Users will also be able to restore the default reaction tray at any time.
Why customizing the reaction tray is useful
The six default emoji cover common reactions, but they do not fit everyone. Someone who chats mostly with friends might want emoji that reflect their humor. Someone who uses WhatsApp for work might prefer something more neutral. For users who react to messages constantly, the reaction tray should reflect the emoji they use most by default. A custom tray will turn a generic shortcut into something that feels more personal.
Custom reactions are part of WhatsApp Plus and fit naturally into it
The custom reaction tray will be available to WhatsApp Plus subscribers as part of the second set of features. The first set introduced themes, custom icons, premium stickers, and the ability to pin up to 20 chats. The custom reaction tray will follow the same logic. It will give subscribers more control over how they use and customize the app. WhatsApp Plus gives users more ways to personalize their experience, and the custom reaction tray will further expand its options.
WhatsApp is developing the custom reaction tray for a future iOS update
The ability to customize the reaction tray is currently under development on iOS. Unfortunately, WhatsApp has not enabled it for beta testers yet. This means that the feature is still not available. However, we expect WhatsApp to roll it out to beta testers in a future update. At the moment, WhatsApp has not shared an official timeline for its public release and when the second set of premium features will be available.
Connect with WABetaInfo
Follow WABetaInfo on X and visit our About page to learn more about what we do. We always appreciate your feedback on posts like this one.