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WhatsApp TestFlight Build Contains Code References to Potential Status Updates Integration in Chats Tab

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WhatsApp May Integrate Status Updates into Chats Tab, Code Suggests

A recent TestFlight build of WhatsApp contains code pointing to a potential new feature that would bring Status updates directly into the app's primary Chats tab.

A recent WhatsApp build distributed through Apple's TestFlight platform contains code references to a potential new feature that would integrate Status updates into the app's primary Chats tab. The feature is not currently accessible to users, and there is no official release timeline from Meta, WhatsApp's parent company.

Feature Overview

According to reports from the website WABetaInfo, which tracks WhatsApp development, the potential integration would involve a carousel of Status updates appearing at the top of the main chat list. Status updates are WhatsApp's ephemeral posts that disappear after 24 hours and include tools for adding stickers, music, and effects.

Reported Functionality and Design

  • Access Method: The Status update tray would reportedly not be visible by default. Users would need to pull down from the top of the chat list to reveal it. This method is noted as being similar to one used in the Telegram app.
  • Interface Layout: The reported interface is described as resembling a Stories carousel, similar to the one used on Instagram. The first option in the carousel would be a shortcut for users to publish their own Status update.
  • Content Ranking: Updates from contacts within the tray would be ranked based on contact relevance, with priority given to people the user interacts with most frequently.
  • Viewing Muted Updates: An entry point to view Status updates from muted or hidden contacts would be available at the end of the carousel.

Development Status

  • The code references were found in a WhatsApp build available through TestFlight, which is Apple's platform for beta testing iOS apps.
  • WABetaInfo previously reported finding similar references in a beta version of WhatsApp for Android.
  • The presence of these references in builds for both operating systems suggests active development, but the feature remains inaccessible in the current builds provided to testers.