This week, WhatsApp introduced several significant updates: birthday reminders in contact info, expansion of Channel Status, group creation from poll results, the official launch of parental controls, a new bottom navigation bar variant without labels, and the rollout of Restricted Chat.
Table of Contents
Birthdays in Contact Info
WhatsApp is expanding the birthday reminder feature by adding the date of birth to the contact info screen.
How it works
If a contact’s birthday is saved in the phone’s address book, WhatsApp will display this field in the contact info screen. The field is placed at the top of the list, right after the name and last seen status, making it noticeable without scrolling. Data is read from the device’s address book. To add a birthday, users need to edit the contact in the Contacts app. On the birthday itself, a reminder with a cake emoji and the label “Birthday today” will appear in the Contacts tab.
Why it’s needed
Allows users to check a contact’s birthday at any time, without waiting for the day itself. Useful for planning a congratulations message or call in advance. It complements the reminder feature in the upcoming Contacts tab.
Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.
Expansion of Channel Status
WhatsApp is making the Channel Status feature available to more channels on Android and iOS.
How it works
Channel admins can create status updates (photos, videos, text, layouts) that disappear after 24 hours. There are two ways to create a status: from the Updates tab (a button next to the personal status creation) or directly from the channel interface (a “+” button next to the channel icon). Statuses appear in the status tray in the Updates tab, in the top bar of the channel interface, and in the channel info screen. Followers can view them, and the content is automatically deleted after 24 hours.
Why it’s needed
Allows admins to share temporary announcements without cluttering the permanent channel feed. Gives followers a reason to open the channel more often, since the content disappears after 24 hours.
Status
The feature is gradually becoming available to more users and channels on Android and iOS. Not all channels support it — WhatsApp enables access at its own discretion.
Creating Groups from Poll Results
WhatsApp is launching the ability to create a group based on poll results.
How it works
On the poll details screen, which shows who voted and their choices, a button to create a group appears when at least two people voted for the same option. Tapping it opens the group creation screen with those voters already added as members. All that’s left is to set the group name and complete the setup. The button appears only if at least two people voted for the option.
Why it’s needed
Simplifies and speeds up creating groups based on shared interests. Previously, users had to manually remember who voted for the desired option and add them one by one. Now WhatsApp automatically adds the right participants.
Status
The feature is available to some Android beta testers. Gradual rollout.
Official Launch of Parental Controls
WhatsApp has officially announced new parental control tools for teen accounts.
How it works
Parents can set up controls through a dedicated section in settings. A QR code is used to link accounts, and the teen’s date of birth is also required. Parents can manage privacy settings (who can see the profile photo, who can add to groups), access to channels and statuses, and Meta AI settings. A parent PIN is required to change settings. Parents receive notifications when the teen joins or leaves groups, and when a group grows significantly in size. An activity log is maintained. Personal conversations remain fully confidential thanks to end-to-end encryption.
Why it’s needed
Allows parents to guide their teen’s digital experience without intruding into their private conversations. Restrictions are automatically lifted when the teen turns 18.
Status
The feature is available to some users on Android and iOS. Gradual rollout.
New Bottom Navigation Bar Variant Without Labels
WhatsApp is testing an alternative design for the bottom navigation bar — without text labels under the icons.
How it works
The bar remains floating with rounded corners, as in the previous variant. The icons for the four tabs (Chats, Updates, Communities, Calls) are displayed without labels. The look is more minimalist, and the bar appears wider due to reduced padding at the edges. The design has been tested in light and dark themes.
Why it’s needed
A cleaner and more modern look. Most users recognize the icons without labels. WhatsApp continues to experiment with the design before the final release.
Status
The feature is in development for Android. Further changes are possible.
Rollout of Restricted Chat
WhatsApp is beginning the rollout of Restricted Chat — an upgraded version of Advanced Chat Privacy — to Android beta testers.
How it works
The feature is enabled manually in the chat info screen. Once activated, four restrictions apply to the conversation: media is not automatically saved to the gallery, exporting the chat is disabled, Meta AI features are unavailable, and the chat does not sync to linked devices. The last restriction is especially important, as it closes access for unofficial clients and AI agents. A system message about the new restrictions appears in the chat. The feature works only for individual conversations.
Why it’s needed
The linked device restriction closes a leak channel often used by third-party tools. Restricted Chat gives users confidence that the conversation cannot be redirected through an unofficial client.
Status
The feature is available to some Android beta testers. Gradual rollout.
Conclusion
This week, WhatsApp focused on improving awareness and control: birthdays in contact info and reminders help users not forget about loved ones, Channel Status gives creators a flexible tool for temporary content, and group creation from polls speeds up organization. The official launch of parental controls enhances teen safety, the new navigation variant continues the Android redesign, and Restricted Chat improves protection of conversations from access via linked devices.
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