WhatsApp is introducing a new Meta AI tab on Android, offering some users a centralized hub to interact with AI-powered features within the app. This change represents one of the most notable improvements announced this week across the latest WhatsApp beta updates.
| Key points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Meta AI tab |
| 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 shared last week: | WhatsApp is rolling out a modern interface for chat bubbles on Androids! |
| Previous article: | WhatsApp beta to add status updates to the top of the Chats tab! |
Weekly WhatsApp Beta Updates: New Features and Improvements
This new weekly roundup brings together all the latest updates about WhatsApp beta shared this week. As a result, you can finally catch up on everything you might have missed from our past announcements. You can consider this summary as a way to stay informed about new features, improvements, and fixes. This week's highlight focuses on a new Meta AI tab available to some beta testers on Android, designed to provide a centralized hub where users can easily access AI-powered tools and conversations within WhatsApp. See what else has been announced this week.
Concept introduces a new feature to organize tabs on WhatsApp
We designed a new concept that introduces a dedicated screen where users can choose which tabs should appear in the navigation bar. However, users would be able to select up to five tabs to display in total. In our concept, the configuration page includes a short description to explain that some essential tabs cannot be removed. Specifically, the Chats, Updates, and Calls tabs are always present because they represent the core features of the application. This feature would allow users to tailor the navigation bar according to their preferences.
WhatsApp is rolling out a Meta AI tab as a central hub on Android
WhatsApp is rolling out a new Meta AI tab as a central hub for AI-powered features on Android. The new tab allows users to quickly access conversations with Meta AI and explore its tools directly from a dedicated section of the interface. To introduce this new tab, WhatsApp has removed the Communities tab from the main interface. However, users can already create and manage community group chats directly from the Chats tab, and filter them through a preset list. The new tab for Meta AI is designed to offer a central hub for all AI-powered features, including messaging with the chatbot, image creation, and voice calling.
WhatsApp is rolling out insights for any forwarded channel update on Android
With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.10.3 update, some beta testers can explore a feature that displays the number of times a channel update has been forwarded. This information is useful for channel admins since it provides an important metric of how widely their content is being shared beyond the channel. With this feature, admins can identify which updates resonate most with their audience. Reactions show immediate engagement, but the forward count reveals the actual reach and distribution of a channel update. As a result, these statistics give a more complete understanding of a channel's performance.
WhatsApp is rolling out insights for any forwarded channel update on iOS
After installing the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.9.10.74 update, WhatsApp now allows some users to see how many times any channel update has been forwarded. Users can open any channel, such as the official WhatsApp channel, to view this information, which was previously hidden and accessible only to its admins. All channel followers have now a clearer overview of which updates are spreading widely. This functionality turns previously private analytics into public insights.
WhatsApp is rolling out parent-managed accounts
WhatsApp has announced parent-managed accounts that help users offer oversight of their child's account activity. A parent or guardian can create a secondary account by connecting their own account directly to the child's account. It is possible to create this connection through a secure configuration, which involves a verification step to confirm the relationship between the parent and the child. Messages from unknown accounts are delivered in a separate inbox called "Requests". Parents can review and approve unknown message requests for the child and monitor reports.
WhatsApp to expand Meta AI with new subscription plans on Android
WhatsApp is exploring a feature that will allow users to subscribe to higher plans for Meta AI. Currently, users can interact with Meta AI on WhatsApp at no cost. However, WhatsApp is reportedly testing new subscription plans to get more out of Meta AI. These plans are expected to offer higher limits for specific interactions. These may include faster responses, access to new models, and higher limits. It's worth noting that the subscription will be entirely optional. Meta AI will continue to be accessible to all users without any subscription, just like ChatGPT and Gemini. Only users who want higher limits or access to specific advanced features may consider subscribing to one of the future plans offered by Meta AI.
WhatsApp beta to add status updates to the top of the Chats tab
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will display status updates at the top of the Chats tab. In a future update, users will see status updates in the top bar when they open the app. Here, WhatsApp will present up to 3 contacts who have recently shared a status update. By scrolling down, users will reveal a horizontal row of all status updates just above the chat list. This gesture will allow users to view status updates shared by their contacts, not just the three shown in the top bar. It's important to note that WhatsApp is currently testing the feature in an early development stage, and it may never be released depending on the results of ongoing evaluations.
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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