This week, WhatsApp is launching the new third-party chats feature, allowing users to send and receive messages with people on other messaging apps directly from WhatsApp. The update marks a major step toward cross-platform communication and EU interoperability compliance, giving users more freedom to connect securely across different apps.
| Key points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Third-party chats |
| 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: | Official WhatsApp for Apple Watch App Launches in Beta for iOS Testers on TestFlight! |
| Previous article: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.33.11: what's new? WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets users receive unknown messages in requests! |
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. This week's highlight is the rollout of WhatsApp's new third-party chats feature, which allows users to message people on other apps directly from WhatsApp for a more open and connected messaging experience. Stay in the loop and see what's new in WhatsApp before the next updates are available.
WhatsApp Introduces Third-Party Chat Support on Android for Cross-App Messaging
With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.33.8 update, WhatsApp is rolling out third-party chat support. This functionality allows users to message people on other instant messaging apps directly from within WhatsApp. Available under Settings > Account > Third-party chats, this optional feature enables communication across platforms while maintaining encryption. Currently, only BirdyChat is supported, but more apps are expected to join once they meet WhatsApp's strict security and encryption standards.
Users can share text, photos, videos, documents, and voice messages, with customization options for inbox layout and notifications. However, features like stickers, status updates, and disappearing messages are not available in cross-platform chats. The update aligns with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major platforms to enable interoperability for greater user choice. It is important to note that privacy remains a top priority, though blocked users on WhatsApp may still reach out through third-party apps depending on each app's rules.
WhatsApp Brings Third-Party Chat Support to iOS and Expands Cross-App Messaging
The same update introducing third-party chats is now also available to iOS users, allowing them to communicate with people on other messaging apps directly through WhatsApp. After installing the latest version, eligible users will see a banner in their settings inviting them to enable the feature under Account > Third-Party Chats. Initially limited to one-on-one conversations, future updates will add support for cross-platform group chats.
The feature lets users share texts, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents while choosing between a combined or separate inbox for third-party messages. Although advanced WhatsApp-native features like stickers and disappearing messages aren't included, Meta plans to expand interoperability gradually. Communication remains encrypted, although WhatsApp recommends that users read the policy of the other app to understand how they manage data. Even on iOS, the rollout complies with the EU's Digital Markets Act, which mandates interoperability among major messaging platforms, and it remains exclusive to users in the European region.
WhatsApp Confirms Username Feature Coming Next Year for Users and Businesses
WhatsApp has officially confirmed that usernames will launch next year, allowing people to connect without revealing their phone numbers. Usernames will be available for both standard and business accounts, giving everyone greater control over how they share contact details. Alongside this update, WhatsApp is introducing a Business-Scoped User ID (BSUID), a unique identifier that lets businesses interact with users securely, even without access to their phone numbers. Businesses using the WhatsApp Business API must update their systems to support this new ID and username framework by June 2026, ensuring compatibility and uninterrupted communication. As usernames roll out gradually in 2026, users and developers can expect a more modern communication experience on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Developing Strict Security Mode to Protect Users from Cyber Attacks
WhatsApp is working on a new strict security mode designed for users who believe they may be at risk of cyber attacks. This upcoming feature consolidates multiple privacy and security settings into a single toggle, instantly applying the most protective configurations available. Once activated, it strengthens defenses by blocking media from unknown senders, disabling link previews, and silencing calls from unsaved contacts to prevent spam and 0-click attacks. It will also automatically limit who can add users to group chats, ensuring that only saved contacts can send group invitations.
This feature enforces additional safeguards like security code change alerts, two-step verification, and IP address protection during calls for maximum privacy. It automatically hides personal information (such as last seen, profile photo, and online status) from anyone not in the contact list. To ensure consistency, certain critical settings become locked while the mode is active, preventing accidental weakening of protection. Although optional, this high-security configuration provides peace of mind for those users facing elevated digital threats.
WhatsApp Testing Strict Account Settings for a Future iOS Update
As mentioned in the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.33.10.70 update, WhatsApp is also testing strict account settings for a future iOS update. This optional functionality aims at protecting users who believe they could be targets of cyber attacks. This upcoming feature consolidates multiple privacy and security settings into a single switch, enabling users to apply stronger protections instantly. Once activated, it automatically enforces the most secure configurations, including blocking media from unknown senders, disabling link previews, and silencing calls from unsaved numbers to prevent scams and 0-click exploits.
The mode automatically restricts group invitations to saved contacts only, helping users avoid spam or malicious group chats. Additional safeguards include security notifications for encryption code changes, two-step verification for account protection, and automatic limits on personal info visibility to prevent misuse. WhatsApp will also route calls through its servers to hide IP addresses, adding another layer of privacy for sensitive communications. When the strict mode is active, certain settings become locked to maintain consistent protection, though users can disable it anytime.
WhatsApp Introduces Chat Theme Customization for Mac Users
WhatsApp has rolled out a new chat theme customization feature for the Mac app, giving users greater control over the look of their conversations. Within Settings > Chats, users can now select from 22 default themes, each offering a harmonious blend of wallpaper and bubble colors. These themes are created using balanced color pairings to ensure readability and visual comfort.
Beyond presets, users can choose from 38 custom color options and adjust brightness to personalize their chat experience further. WhatsApp also allows unique themes for individual conversations, letting users visually distinguish personal, family, or work-related chats. This flexibility helps users stay organized and enhances the sense of individuality in their messaging environment. However, the themes set on Mac do not sync with iPhone, allowing users to tailor aesthetics per device.
WhatsApp Developing a Requests Folder for Added Privacy
WhatsApp is testing a new privacy setting called "Who can message me" that will let users control how messages from unknown contacts appear in the app. Instead of blocking these messages, the feature filters them based on user preference to keep chats more organized. The setting offers two options: "Everyone", which keeps WhatsApp's current behavior where all messages appear in the main chat list, and "My Contacts", which redirects messages from unknown senders to a new Requests folder. This dedicated folder works like Instagram's message requests, allowing users to preview the sender's name, profile picture, and message before deciding to reply, delete, report, or block.
This feature will help reduce inbox clutter and prevents unsolicited or spam messages from disrupting active conversations. Users will gain more privacy and control, especially when managing business or unfamiliar chats. The filter will apply only to new incoming messages, leaving existing chats unaffected. Once WhatsApp rolls out username-based messaging, the Requests folder will also handle messages from users found via usernames.
WhatsApp Is Working On Username-Based Calling for Enhanced Privacy
WhatsApp is developing a new feature that lets users make voice and video calls using unique usernames instead of phone numbers. This change aims to simplify connections while protecting user privacy by hiding personal contact details in the future. Through a new search option in the Calls tab, users will soon be able to find others by username, even if they aren’t saved in their contact list. The entire system will maintain end-to-end encryption, ensuring the same level of security as traditional calls.
WhatsApp is also testing a username key feature to prevent unwanted calls, allowing only trusted contacts or those with a shared key to reach you. This dual approach will enhance both convenience and protection, giving users full control over who can contact them. The update will make sharing and connecting on WhatsApp easier for users and businesses by removing the need to disclose phone numbers.
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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