This week, WhatsApp started developing a username reservation system, a new feature under development that will let users secure their preferred usernames in advance. This system will help users plan ahead and ensures a fair chance for everyone to claim their desired usernames in the future.
| 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 Launches New Feature That Lets Users Control and Reshare Status Updates! |
| Previous article: | WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.28.10.70: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that swaps the positions of the Chats and Updates tabs! |
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 new username reservation feature standing out as a notable addition, allowing users to secure their preferred usernames in advance while ensuring fairness and equal access for everyone. Stay in the loop and see what's new in WhatsApp before the next updates are available.
WhatsApp Beta Adds Status Screen Shortcut for Instant Chats
The WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.27.10.70 update introduces a shortcut button next to each contact who viewed a status update, allowing instant chat initiation without leaving the status screen. Previously, users had to navigate back to the chat list or search manually, making the process slower and less intuitive. By reducing these extra steps, WhatsApp creates a smoother and faster way to respond to status viewers. The feature also encourages continuous conversations, keeping users engaged without breaking the flow.
WhatsApp is Developing Username Reservation to Ensure Fair Access
The WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.28.12 update reveals that WhatsApp is developing a username reservation feature that allows users to secure their preferred usernames before the full system is widely available. This ensures fairness by preventing early users from claiming popular names before others gain access. The full username rollout will be gradual to monitor performance and fix potential issues. Meanwhile, reservations will give more users a chance to claim their desired identifiers in advance. The feature is currently in active development and it will be released in the future.
WhatsApp is Working on Incognito Mode for Meta AI
With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.28.12 update, WhatsApp is developing an Incognito Mode for Meta AI that ensures all conversations remain temporary and private, with no data being stored or used to improve the AI. Similar to private browsing, this mode will delete all messages once the session ends, giving users full control over their privacy. Unlike normal interactions, details shared in Incognito Mode will not be saved to Meta AI's memory, preventing personalization or long-term tracking. This feature is designed to pro vide peace of mind, allowing users to freely explore sensitive or personal topics without concerns about data collection.
WhatsApp Introduces Live Photos, AI Tools, and Productivity Features
WhatsApp now lets users share Live Photos and Motion Photos, preserving movement and sound across iOS and Android. Users can also explore new AI-powered tools to generate custom chat wallpapers and unique video call backgrounds. The app also introduces new sticker packs and improved group search to enhance communication and ease of use. Additionally, Android users can scan, crop, and share documents directly within WhatsApp, streamlining productivity.
WhatsApp Adds Privacy Controls for Status Resharing
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.27.10.72 update, we announced that some users can control whether their status updates can be reshared, with the toggle available in both the status editor and privacy settings. Reshared statuses are clearly labeled, and personal information of the original author is never revealed. The option is disabled by default, ensuring that content is only shared when the user chooses. Authors also receive notifications when their status is reshared, providing transparency and maintaining privacy.
WhatsApp Launches Unified Call Hub on iOS
The WhatsApp for iOS 25.27.73 update introduces a new unified call hub. It centralizes all call-related actions within the Calls tab on iOS, making it easier to start, schedule, and manage calls. Users can quickly access a dialer, initiate group or one-on-one calls, and verify business accounts. Favorite contacts are now easier to manage, allowing for one-tap calls and personalized shortcuts. This streamlined hub improves efficiency and turns the Calls tab into a comprehensive communication center.
WhatsApp Tests New Tab Navigation on iOS
After installing the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.28.10.70 update, some beta testers noticed that WhatsApp has swapped the positions of the Chats and Updates tabs for some beta testers. This change alters the familiar bottom navigation layout. Users have expressed mixed reactions, as the change disrupts established muscle memory and habits. The update may be part of ongoing navigation improvements ahead of the upcoming Liquid Glass redesign, though this remains purely speculative. However, beta testers can provide feedback through TestFlight to help WhatsApp refine the interface.
Beware of WhatsApp iOS Beta Scams on Telegram
WhatsApp's iOS beta program is managed via Apple's TestFlight and it is free, but limited spots make it highly competitive to join. In a dedicated post, we explained how scammers exploit this demand by offering fake beta invites on Telegram, often using altered screenshots to appear credible. Victims are tricked into paying $25-$50 via PayPal's "Friends and Family" option, after which scammers block them. It's important to highlight that the official WhatsApp beta is always free and only available through verified channels, so any offer involving payment is fraudulent.
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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