This week, WhatsApp is working on the upcoming Username Reservation feature, a functionality that will allow users to secure their preferred usernames ahead of the official rollout. This feature is designed to simplify the process of claiming unique usernames before they become widely available.
| Key points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Username reservation |
| Feature availability: | Some features announced in this article may be under development and not yet available to all beta testers, or they may be gradually rolling out to users. If you're unable to access a certain feature, you will need to wait for a future update. Keep reading for more information. |
| News of last week: | WhatsApp for iOS Liquid Glass Update Now Available with a Modern Translucent Design! |
| Previous article: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.30.12: what's new? WhatsApp is working on a feature that restricts how everyone mentions work in large group chats! |
Weekly WhatsApp Beta Updates: New Features and Improvements
This weekly roundup brings together all the latest WhatsApp beta updates from the past week, giving you a single place to catch up on everything you might have missed. Whether you follow our updates closely or only check in occasionally, this summary ensures you stay informed about new features, improvements, and fixes. In this post, we cover all the latest WhatsApp beta updates, with the upcoming Username Reservation feature standing out as a notable addition, allowing users to secure their preferred usernames ahead of the official rollout. Stay in the loop and see what's new in WhatsApp before the next updates are available.
WhatsApp Will Bring a Mac-Style Sidebar to the iPad for a Smoother Experience
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.29.10.72 update, we announced that WhatsApp is developing a new sidebar for its iPad app, inspired by the design of the Mac version. With the new sidebar, WhatsApp aims to improve navigation and usability on larger screens once it becomes available. The current iPad layout relies on a bottom tab bar that feels cramped and inefficient for widescreen use. The upcoming sidebar will better organize chats, calls, and settings while creating a more visually balanced interface. Additionally, this new design provides a flexible structure that can support future potential features and shortcuts as WhatsApp continues to evolve.
WhatsApp Prepares Username Reservation Feature Ahead of Full Launch on iOS
Following the release of the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.30.10.70 update, we discovered that WhatsApp is developing a username reservation system for iOS. Previously announced for the Android app, this functionality will let users secure their preferred usernames before the full rollout of the feature. This feature aims to ensure fairness, giving a larger group of users the opportunity to claim their desired usernames before they are taken by others.
During the early-access phase, many users will be able to reserve unique usernames that follow WhatsApp's formatting and safety guidelines. Reserved names will be linked to user accounts, ensuring exclusive ownership once the feature officially launches. Username requirements include using only lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, and periods—without domains or misleading formats. Each username must be unique, between 3 and 30/35 characters long, and cannot begin or end with a period. This reservation system aims to ensure fairness by letting more users secure names early instead of losing them to faster rollout groups.
WhatsApp Tests Reaction Stickers to Make Status Updates More Interactive
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.30.2 update, we revealed that WhatsApp is developing a reaction sticker feature for status updates. This functionality will allow users to place customizable emoji stickers directly on their images or videos. It will let creators choose any emoji to match the mood of their content, making each status more personal and expressive. Viewers can tap the reaction sticker to send a private, end-to-end encrypted response, visible only to the status author. Notifications will also display who reacted and with which emoji, helping users easily track engagement across their updates.
WhatsApp Adds Detailed Animation Controls for Emojis, Stickers, and GIFs
The WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.29.10.73 update lets users manage motion settings for emojis, stickers, and GIFs individually, offering greater personalization. The feature allows users to disable animations for a cleaner chat interface or keep them active for a better experience. Beta testers and some users with the stable release from the App Store can access these settings under Settings > Chats > Animations.
Animated emojis, powered by the Lottie framework, can now be turned static to match Apple's standard look, reducing distractions. Stickers also gain a toggle that stops looping playback, showing only the first frame while maintaining the option to favorite animated ones. Even when sticker animations are off, saved favorites remain animated in the dedicated section. GIFs can also be set to play manually, preventing automatic motion and saving data. These options improve accessibility by reducing unnecessary screen movement for users sensitive to motion.
WhatsApp is Rolling Out Notifications for Status Updates from Selected Contacts
With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.30.4 update, WhatsApp is introducing a feature that lets users receive notifications whenever chosen contacts post new status updates. This feature is designed to help users stay informed and connected with the people who matter most. Users can enable the option directly from a contact's status menu and later mute it if they no longer wish to receive alerts. Once activated, WhatsApp sends real-time notifications that include the contact’s name and, when applicable, a small preview of the shared content.
This system makes it easier to follow important updates like events, trips, or personal milestones without missing anything. With this feature, WhatsApp aims to help users reduce their distractions by focusing only on selected contacts rather than all status posts. Notifications are private, so the chosen contact will never know someone opted in to follow their updates. Users can turn these alerts on or off at any time, maintaining full control over their preferences.
WhatsApp is Developing Interactive Quiz Feature for Channels
With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.30.5 update, we announced that WhatsApp is developing a new quiz feature for channels. This functionality will allow admins to create knowledge-based questions with one correct answer, adding a sense of challenge and engagement. Unlike polls, which gather opinions, quizzes test followers' knowledge and reward accuracy with interactive feedback.
Admins will be able to access the "Quiz" option from the attachment menu, type a question, add multiple answers, and mark the correct one using a checkmark. The creation interface resembles the poll feature but clearly distinguishes quizzes as a new message type. Once published, users can select their answers and instantly see if they were correct, with confetti animations celebrating right responses. Results remain hidden until submission, ensuring genuine participation without peer influence. This interactive approach encourages learning, fun, and competition among users.
WhatsApp is Working on the @all Mention Feature for Group Chats
As announced in the article covering the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.30.12 update, WhatsApp is developing a new @all mention feature that allows users to notify every member of a group chat with a single tag. The feature will ensure that important updates reach all participants instantly without manual and multiple tagging.
In smaller groups, any member will be able to use the @all tag to keep communication fluid and inclusive. However, in larger groups (those exceeding 32 members) only admins will be permitted to use it to prevent spam and over-notification. This rule will help maintain focus and reduces unnecessary alerts in busy communities. The @all feature is particularly useful for time-sensitive announcements, reminders, or urgent updates where everyone's attention is needed.
Stay tuned with us to discover new features and updates about WhatsApp coming your way next week. We will continue tracking all the latest beta releases, improvements, and bug fixes so you never miss a thing. Make sure to check back regularly and stay ahead with the newest ways to enhance your WhatsApp experience.
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