WhatsApp is working on new filters for archived and locked chats
WhatsApp is testing new chat lists that expand how users can organize their conversations in a future update. These preset filters will let users sort their conversations into dedicated chat lists for easier access. The update will enhance navigation in the Chats tab by refining its structure.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Archived and locked chat lists |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development, and it is not available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | Meta introduces AI Business Agent for WhatsApp worldwide! |
WhatsApp lets users prioritize and organize chat lists in the Chats tab
In the post about the WhatsApp for iOS 26.21.74 update, we announced a new feature that lets users manage their favorite chat lists. This feature allows users to choose which chat lists to keep visible at the top of the Chats tab. Secondary chat lists become available in a separate section called "More". Once users open this section, they can see all the chat lists that are not pinned to the top of the Chats tab. As a result, users can keep the interface cleaner, and they can still have quick access to less frequently used filters.
WhatsApp to expand chat lists with new preset filters on iPhone
WhatsApp continues to improve the experience with chat lists. This includes adding new preset filters to manage conversations with more flexibility. That's what we discovered with the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.22.10.70 update, which is available on TestFlight. Specifically, the update suggests that WhatsApp is working on new preset filters for archived, locked, and third-party chats.
WhatsApp simplifies chat organization with custom lists and preset filters
A chat list allows users to quickly locate specific conversations. Users can create their own lists to manage chats based on a certain criteria. For example, users can create new lists where they include their family members, coworkers, or friends. WhatsApp also offers some preset filters that automatically organize conversations into predefined categories. These includes unread chats, groups, communities, and favorites, making it easier to find specific chats without creating a custom list.
WhatsApp reorganizes the Chats tab to improve navigation
As WhatsApp continues to introduce new features within the Chats tab, the interface now presents more elements than before. The Chats tab is no longer limited to displaying conversations. Instead, it also provides access to status updates through a dedicated row at the top of the screen. In addition, it includes separate sections for archived chats and locked chats. European users may also see another row dedicated to third-party chats. As WhatsApp integrates more features into the Chats tab, WhatsApp is now working on making the layout more organized.
WhatsApp to bring archived and third-party chats into dedicated filters
In a future update, WhatsApp will address this issue by introducing new preset filters. At the moment, users can access their archived chats in a separate section at the top of the chat list. WhatsApp will remove this section to offer a dedicated filter where users can locate their archived chats. WhatsApp will also remove the section that displays third-party chats. For users who use a separate inbox for their third-party chats, WhatsApp will offer a filter that include these conversations.
WhatsApp to introduce a secure filter for locked chats
WhatsApp is also planning to introduce a dedicated filter for locked chats. Locked chats are conversations that users keep in a protected section secured with Touch ID, Face ID, or the device passcode. This section appears at the top of the Chats tab. However, WhatsApp will replace this section with a proper chat list in the future. This change would make locked chats behave like other organized lists within the Chats tab. To preserve privacy, users will still need to authenticate using Touch ID, Face ID, or their device passcode before accessing this list.
New preset filters for the chat list are under development on iOS
The feature that introduces new preset filters for the chat list is currently under development. This means that they are not visible yet, and they are not available to beta testers at this stage. WhatsApp has not announced an official timeline for its release. However, these new preset filters will be available to beta testers in a future update before rolling out in the stable version.
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