WhatsApp news of the week: official iPad compatible app available on the App Store

Missed our weekly WhatsApp beta updates? Catch up now with our summary! Among our 9 stories we shared, the best news of the week is about WhatsApp for iPad, now officially available on the App Store!

1. WhatsApp is developing a new media hub for the web client that will let users view all shared media, documents, and links from every chat in one centralized location. Accessible via the sidebar, this hub will support search by caption, sorting options, and bulk actions like deleting or downloading multiple files at once. Designed for efficiency, it will help users easily find content without opening each individual chat, improving both file management and overall organization.
2. WhatsApp is working on a feature for the web client that will let users check if their preferred username is available in real time, using a simple verification field on the profile page. When confirmed, the chosen username will act as a public-facing identifier, helping users protect their phone numbers from strangers while still allowing known contacts to reach them as usual. This privacy feature is currently under development with no set release date, but the live availability checks indicate significant progress.
3. In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.17.10.70 update, we revealed a set of rules for the new username feature that WhatsApp is developing. Usernames must be 3–30 characters long, include at least one letter, and can only contain lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. They cannot start or end with a period, use two periods in a row, or resemble web addresses. Once a valid, unique username is set, WhatsApp will confirm it with a celebratory animation, and others will see this username instead of the user's phone number in new chats and group interactions.
4. WhatsApp Messenger is now officially available on the App Store for iPad with the 25.16.81 update, marking the first full-featured native release for Apple’s tablet. Users running iPadOS 15.1 or later can install the app and link it to their existing account by scanning a QR code from their primary phone, syncing up to one year of chat history during setup. This version supports messaging, calls, channels, status, and communities, all optimized for the iPad's larger display with split-view multitasking, offering a seamless and flexible WhatsApp experience across devices.

5. WhatsApp has introduced a major update to the Status feature, adding powerful creative tools to enhance user expression. These include a new Layout option for photo collages, the ability to create custom Photo Stickers, and the rollout of Add Yours stickers to spark interactive photo chains. Additionally, users can now share music-focused status updates where a song alone becomes the main content.
6. The WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.43 update allows some beta testers to manage notifications for recommended channels directly from notification settings. These recommendations are personalized based on the channels a user already follows, especially within similar categories, ensuring suggestions align with their interests and engagement levels. While the notification system actively alerts users about new relevant channels, participation is optional, and users can enable or disable these notifications anytime in the app settings.
7. WhatsApp is planning a new feature that lets users add a PIN code to protect their usernames, as highlighted in the article covering the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.48 update. When someone tries to message a user via their username for the first time, they’ll need to enter the correct PIN, preventing unsolicited or spam messages from unknown contacts. If a user hasn't set up a PIN after choosing a username, WhatsApp will remind them with a banner, encouraging them to enable this extra layer of protection to control who can start conversations.
8. In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.42 update, we announced that WhatsApp is developing a feature that will let users add custom tags to their profiles within specific group chats, scheduled for release in a future update. These tags, visible only within the group where they are set, aim to improve communication and structure, especially in large or organized communities. Tags will persist even if a user reinstalls the app, ensuring continuity in roles and responsibilities over time.
9. With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.36 update, we announced that WhatsApp is developing a feature to enhance accessibility by increasing color contrast in the interface. This feature is particularly focused on some button elements when using the light theme. This update will make toggles and floating action buttons appear darker, improving visibility for users with visual impairments and reducing eye strain.

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

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