WhatsApp Testing Status and Channels Merge in the Updates Tab on Web
WhatsApp is working on bringing the Updates tab to the web client in the future, unifying status updates and channels in a single interface similar to the mobile apps. This update will allow users to view and manage both status updates and channels directly from their browser in the same tab, providing a consistent experience across devices.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Updates tab |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Thanks: | Sc, for collaborating, testing, and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp Announces Holiday Update with 2026 Stickers and Fun Interactive Effects! |
A First Look at WhatsApp's Redesigned Updates Tab
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.11.0.74 update, we announced that WhatsApp was rolling out a redesigned Status tab that's now called Updates. This change represented the first iteration of the new Updates tab, since channels were still under development at that time and not yet available in that version. With this update, muted status updates have been moved into a dedicated section called Muted Status, making the interface cleaner and easier to navigate. WhatsApp has also reorganized shortcuts, moving the privacy settings entry and adding a new shortcut to create status updates within the plus menu at the top of the screen. These initial adjustments appeared to be aimed at helping users gradually adapt before future updates introduced channels and further layout changes.
After releasing channels, the Updates tab officially became the central hub hosting both status updates and channels. As a result, the tab is designed as a dedicated space to access broadcast content in one place. Although these changes were introduced years ago on mobile apps, the web client currently still maintains a separation between channels and status updates across two distinct tabs. However, we discovered that WhatsApp is now working on bringing the unified Updates tab experience to the web client in the future.
As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a dedicated tab for both status updates and channels, scheduled for release in a future update. On WhatsApp Web, the new tab will also be called Updates, mirroring the naming already adopted on iOS and Android to ensure a consistent experience across platforms. The term Updates clearly reflects the type of content collected within this section, which includes information shared with a certain audience or publicly. Using the same name across mobile and web clients helps reduce confusion for users who switch frequently between their devices. This alignment also makes the transition smoother for those already familiar with the Updates tab on other WhatsApp apps.
Within the Updates tab on the web client, the top section will display status updates, each presented with a visual preview through a thumbnail to make them easier to scan. This layout allows users to quickly identify recent status updates without opening them individually. Below this area, users will find their own channels along with the channels they already follow, all grouped in a single, accessible list. This structure simplifies navigation and reduces the need to move between different sections of the interface.
Further down, the Updates tab will include a suggestions area featuring channels that users might be interested in following based on relevance. This section is designed to help users discover new broadcast content without actively searching for it. Just like the current Channels tab, users will have the ability to explore the channel directory directly from this area. This makes it easier to find new channels and join communities that match their interests.
On the side panel, once a channel is selected, the web client will display the updates shared by that specific channel in a dedicated view. This new setup closely matches what is already available on the WhatsApp app for Mac, where the Updates tab has been live for some time. As a result, users who already use WhatsApp on Mac will find the web interface immediately recognizable. This approach ensures feature parity across platforms while keeping the interface intuitive and easy to navigate.
The Updates tab for WhatsApp Web is currently under development and is not yet available to users. WhatsApp is working on bringing the same unified experience from mobile apps to the web client. Once released, the tab will combine status updates and channels in a single, easily accessible location. Users can expect this feature to be included in a future update, improving the way broadcast content is accessed on the web.
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