This week, WhatsApp introduced several significant updates: an increased pinned message limit to four, guest calls for users without an account, media previews in the chat list on iOS, a new sidebar for iPad, an upgraded version of Advanced Chat Privacy called Restricted Chat, and a central Events hub.
Table of Contents
Four Pinned Messages Instead of Three
WhatsApp is extending the pinned message limit from three to four in individual chats and groups.
How it works
Users long-press a message, select the pin option, and choose a duration (24 hours, 1 week, or 30 days). The fourth message is added to the top bar of the chat alongside the others. When there are multiple pinned messages, users can cycle through them by tapping the top bar. The limit works in both individual conversations and groups. In groups, admins still control who is allowed to pin messages.
Why it’s needed
In active groups, three pinned messages fill up quickly. Users had to choose which one to remove in order to pin a new one. The fourth slot allows keeping more important content at the top without removing previous pins.
Status
The feature is available to some Android beta testers. Gradual rollout.
Guest Calls for Users Without an Account
WhatsApp is developing the ability to join calls via a link without creating an account.
How it works
The host creates a call link in the Calls tab, selects the type (voice or video), and shares the link. The recipient opens the link in a browser, selects “Continue as guest,” and joins the call via WhatsApp Web. Before entering, the host must manually approve the request — this is a mandatory rule for all guests without an account. The call is protected by end-to-end encryption: WhatsApp Web generates a unique identifier for the session, which is used to create the encryption key. The host can reject requests and remove guests at any time.
Why it’s needed
Allows quickly reaching people who don’t have WhatsApp without requiring them to install the app. Useful for business meetings, consultations, or emergency situations where a real-time conversation matters.
Status
The feature is in development. A release is expected in a future update.
Media Previews in the Chat List on iOS
WhatsApp is bringing thumbnails for photos, videos, and stickers to the chat list on iOS.
How it works
When the last message in a chat is a photo, video, or sticker, a thumbnail of the content appears next to the type label. The label (“Photo,” “Video,” “Sticker”) remains visible. The thumbnail doesn’t change the chat list layout, only complements it. Users can identify the media content without opening the conversation.
Why it’s needed
Previously, media in the chat list all looked the same — simply as “Photo” or “Video.” There was no way to tell what exactly was sent without opening the chat. Thumbnails save time and let users see what was sent without marking the chat as read.
Status
The feature is available to some iOS users in the App Store version. Gradual rollout.
New Sidebar for iPad
WhatsApp is introducing a sidebar on iPad, similar to the Mac version, replacing the bottom navigation.
How it works
The sidebar provides access to Chats, Updates, Communities, Calls, and Meta AI. An additional “More” section includes Locked, Archived, Starred, Status, and Favourites. The profile icon at the bottom of the sidebar opens settings. The sidebar can be hidden with a button in the top-right corner — a tab bar with the same sections then appears at the top. The sidebar can be restored by tapping the corresponding button in the top bar. The design supports Liquid Glass.
Why it’s needed
On a large iPad screen, the bottom tab bar isn’t optimal. The sidebar uses space more efficiently, allows viewing the chat list and conversation simultaneously, and can be hidden for maximum focus on the conversation.
Status
The feature is available to some iPad beta testers, as well as some users on the stable version. Gradual rollout.
Restricted Chat — An Upgraded Version of Advanced Chat Privacy
WhatsApp is testing Restricted Chat — an updated version of Advanced Chat Privacy with a new name and additional capabilities.
How it works
Restricted Chat limits a conversation to the primary mobile device only. Such chats do not sync to linked devices and are unavailable in WhatsApp Web or other clients. All three Advanced Chat Privacy protections remain: blocking conversation export, disabling auto-save of media to the gallery, and blocking Meta AI from using messages in these chats. The feature is optional — users choose which chats to restrict.
Why it’s needed
Linked devices are a common entry point for unofficial clients and third-party tools. Limiting to the primary device closes this leak channel. The new name also reduces the risk of mistakenly concluding that chats without the feature are less secure.
Status
The feature is in development for Android. A release is expected in a future update.
Central Events Hub
WhatsApp is adding a dedicated “Events” section in settings for creating, managing, and viewing all events.
How it works
An “Events” section (marked with a badge) appears in settings. It displays all events created by the user or those they were invited to. Creating an event: name, description, start date and time, end time, location, WhatsApp call link, reminder (one hour before by default), and cover photo. Invitees without a WhatsApp account can accept the invitation via a link by entering their name and confirming their phone number. The full location and call link become visible only after confirmation. The host sees guests’ names, responses, and phone numbers; guests see other attendees’ names and responses, but phone numbers only if the contact is saved.
Why it’s needed
Previously, events were created and viewed only within specific chats. The new hub allows managing all events from a single page without scrolling through the chat list. Useful for organizing meetings, appointments, and group activities.
Status
The feature is available to some Android beta testers. Gradual rollout.
Conclusion
This week, WhatsApp focused on expanding functionality and privacy: four pinned messages and the Events hub simplify organization, guest calls open the platform to new users, media previews and the iPad sidebar improve the experience across devices, and Restricted Chat strengthens protection of conversations from access via linked devices.
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