WhatsApp news of the week: Android update to react to messages using stickers is under development

Missed our weekly WhatsApp beta updates? Catch up now with our summary! Among our 8 stories we shared, the best news of the week is about a feature under development to react to messages using stickers!

1. With the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.12.10.71 update, some beta testers can now access a dedicated section for browsing all media and links shared within a channel. Similar to the feature already available in individual and group chats, it is accessible from the channel info screen, making it easier for both admins and followers to find photos, videos, GIFs, and links. This improvement streamlines navigation, reduces time spent searching, and ensures important media remains easily discoverable even after weeks of updates.
2. After installing the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.13.4 update, some beta testers can explore a new feature that improves channel navigation by introducing a button that appears after reading all updates in a channel. This shortcut allows users to jump directly to the next channel, aiming to make browsing even more efficient by skipping those already viewed. This streamlined experience saves time, reduces back-and-forth navigation, and ensures users stay up-to-date with fresh content. Especially for users following many channels, this feature helps maintain focus and boosts overall engagement with updates.
3. The same channel navigation tool that simplifies moving between channels is also available with the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.12.10.72 update. When all updates from a channel are read, a shortcut button appears at the bottom of the screen, letting users jump directly to the next channel with fresh content. Alternatively, users can swipe upward to trigger the transition, streamlining the browsing experience without needing to return to the main channel list.
4. In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.13.23 update, we announced that WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will allow users to react to messages using any sticker from their collection. Unlike the current system, which limits reactions to a default set of emojis and a few recently used ones, this upcoming update will unlock the full sticker keyboard for reactions — including official stickers from WhatsApp’s store, imported third-party stickers, and previously saved ones. Animated stickers, including those built with the Lottie Framework for smooth, high-quality animations, will also be supported. By expanding reactions beyond basic emojis, WhatsApp aims to give users a more expressive, creative, and personal way to interact with messages and media, making conversations even more lively and fun.

5. The WhatsApp for iOS 25.12.73 update offers a new feature that removes quoted messages when the original message is deleted for all participants in a chat. Normally, when replying to a message, a quoted version remains visible even if the original is deleted, which could raise privacy concerns. With this update, once a message is deleted for everyone, any replies quoting it will also disappear, ensuring that no trace of the deleted content remains.
6. WhatsApp officially announcedadvanced chat privacy, a new feature designed to give users more control over how their conversations are protected beyond end-to-end encryption. With this privacy option, users can block chat exports, prevent automatic media downloads, and disable AI interactions for specific chats or groups, helping sensitive information stay within WhatsApp. It's especially useful for situations where participants may not know each other well, like community organizing or health discussions, ensuring communication remains more secure. Whenever the feature is turned on or off, WhatsApp sends a system notification to the chat for transparency, and they confirmed that more privacy enhancements are planned for future updates.
7. With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.13.16 update, more users can now easily share music in their WhatsApp status updates. When creating a status, users will see a new option in the gallery sheet that lets them quickly pick a song without needing to attach a photo or video. To make music sharing even more personal, users can also choose from different music sticker layouts, including vertical, horizontal, artwork, and music tape styles.
8. In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.13.22 update, we announced that some users can now explore a new feature that lets them create photo layouts directly when posting a status update. A new option in the gallery sheet allows users to select up to six images, and WhatsApp will automatically generate a layout based on the number of photos picked, like side-by-side for two photos or a grid for six. Users can still tweak the layout by adding or removing photos before posting, giving them control over the final design.

Stay tuned with us to discover new features and updates about WhatsApp, coming your way next week!

Following WABetaInfo on X is the best way to discover new features under development and released to users on WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web, and Desktop. Keep yourself informed and up-to-date by following us.

Do you like this news? Please, let us know on X: we love hearing your feedback! If you're curious to see where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services. In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.