This week, WhatsApp unveiled several significant updates: the ability to pin updates to channels, support for multiple accounts in WhatsApp Business, its own cloud backup provider on iOS, improvements to the voice messaging widget, control over microphone modes in calls on iOS, and the gradual rollout of full username support.
Table of Contents
Pinning Channel Updates
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow channel admins to pin important updates to the top of their channel.
How it works
Admins can pin any update through the context menu (long press the update → pin). The pinned update stays at the top of the channel for 30 days, regardless of how many new posts appear after it. After 30 days, the update automatically unpins. Admins can unpin it manually at any time.
Why it’s needed
In active channels, important announcements quickly get buried under new posts. Pinning ensures that followers always see key information (announcements, rules, important links) at the top of the channel.
Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.
Multi-Account Support in WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp is extending multi-account support to the business version of the app, allowing users to manage two business profiles on a single device.
How it works
A “+” button appears next to the account name in WhatsApp Business settings to add a second number. The setup process is the same as the first account: enter the number and confirm with a verification code. Switching between accounts is done through the “Switch accounts” menu. A maximum of two accounts is supported simultaneously. Each account has its own chat history, settings, and notifications.
Why it’s needed
Businesses with two departments or brands no longer need to carry a second phone or use third-party workarounds. Simplifies managing multiple business accounts on one device.
Status
The feature is available to some WhatsApp Business beta testers for Android. Gradual rollout.
Own Cloud Backup Provider for iOS
WhatsApp is working on its own cloud service for storing chat backups on iOS, similar to what is already being developed for Android.
How it works
In backup settings, users will be able to choose between iCloud (default) and WhatsApp’s own cloud. WhatsApp will offer 2 GB of free storage. Backups on WhatsApp’s servers will be automatically protected by end-to-end encryption (using a passkey, password, or 64-digit key). Paid plans: 50 GB (~$0.99/month) and 1 TB for users with large archives. Switching between providers is possible at any time.
Why it’s needed
The free 5 GB of iCloud storage fills up quickly, especially for active users. WhatsApp’s own provider frees up iCloud space for photos and other data. Mandatory encryption improves backup security.
Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.
Voice Message Widget Improvements
WhatsApp continues developing a home screen widget that allows recording and sending voice messages without opening the app.
How it works
The widget (3×1 size) appears on the home screen after manual addition. Tapping it opens a recording screen with pause and cancel options. After recording, a contact picker opens — users can send the voice message to one or multiple contacts at once. The recording is sent to all selected recipients in a single action.
Why it’s needed
Simplifies sending the same voice message to multiple contacts — no need to record separately for each or forward after sending. Speeds up the process for users who frequently share voice updates with several people.
Status
The feature is in development for Android. A release is expected in a future update.
Microphone Mode Controls in iOS Calls
WhatsApp is adding quick access to Apple’s system microphone modes directly within the call interface on iOS.
How it works
During a call, a “mic mode” option appears in the “More” menu. Selecting it opens the system menu with four modes: Standard (basic processing), Voice Isolation (blocks background noise), Wide Spectrum (preserves all ambient sounds), and Automatic (automatic selection). The mode persists for all future WhatsApp calls until changed by the user. Unlike Android, WhatsApp does not use its own noise suppression algorithm but relies on iOS’s built-in capabilities.
Why it’s needed
System microphone modes have existed in iOS since 2021, but most users didn’t know about them. The built-in toggle in the call interface makes the feature accessible and easy to understand.
Status
The feature is available to some iOS users in the App Store version. Gradual rollout.
Full Username Support
WhatsApp is beginning the gradual rollout of full username support, allowing a limited number of users to use a username to communicate with new contacts without revealing their phone number.
How it works
After username activation, a banner appears in the profile settings confirming it’s ready. In existing chats, contacts will see a message about the user creating a username. When searching for a new contact, users can enter the exact username (partial match search is not supported). If the contact has a username key, it’s required for the first message. Users can change or delete their username at any time. If a username is deleted, the phone number will reappear in existing chats.
Why it’s needed
Allows users to communicate with new people and businesses without revealing their phone number. Gives more control over who can contact the user.
Status
The feature is gradually becoming available to a limited number of users on Android and iOS. The full global launch is expected later this year.
Conclusion
This week, WhatsApp focused on expanding control for users and businesses: pinning channel updates and multi-account support in WhatsApp Business simplify content and profile management, the own cloud provider offers an alternative to iCloud, and microphone modes on iOS improve call quality. The full rollout of usernames continues its phased introduction, bringing WhatsApp closer to a more flexible communication model without mandatory phone number disclosure.
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