This week, WhatsApp unveiled several significant updates: private Side Chat with built-in AI, the long-awaited launch of username reservations, a new way to link devices via Passkey, a navigation redesign with a Contacts tab, a change in GIF provider from Tenor to GIPHY, and a new settings interface for Android tablets.
Table of Contents
Side Chat — Private AI Assistant
WhatsApp is launching Side Chat — a feature that allows users to ask Meta AI for help within the context of a specific conversation while maintaining full privacy.
How it works
In any chat, an option called “Ask privately” appears. By swiping left, a dark Side Chat panel opens where users can ask Meta AI questions related to that specific conversation. Quick actions are available: summarizing recent messages, helping to draft replies, and explaining confusing parts of the conversation. All processing happens through Private Processing — a secure environment where neither Meta nor WhatsApp can read the messages. Side Chat works with web search but is not available in chats with disappearing messages or when Advanced Chat Privacy is enabled.
Why it’s needed
Allows users to get contextual AI help without copying text from the chat. Unlike @Meta AI in a group chat, Side Chat is invisible to other participants and is protected by Private Processing. Gives access to AI features where they’re actually needed, without compromising privacy.
Status
The feature is available to a very limited number of users on Android and iOS. A release date for all users has not yet been announced.
Username Reservations
WhatsApp is opening the ability to reserve a username for your account in advance.
How it works
In the app settings (Account → Username), users can choose a unique username of up to 35 characters. It must start with a letter, contain at least one letter, not start with “www.“, and not end with a domain extension. Periods and underscores are allowed, but not two in a row. Owners of an Instagram or Facebook username can transfer it to WhatsApp via Accounts Center. Optionally, a username key can be set — an additional code required to start a conversation. Without it, anyone who knows the exact username can message you.
Why it’s needed
Allows users to communicate with new contacts and businesses without revealing their phone number. Reserving in advance ensures users can claim their desired name before the official launch.
Status
The feature is gradually becoming available on iOS and Android. The full username launch is expected later this year.
Device Linking via Passkey
WhatsApp is working on a new way to link additional devices using a passkey instead of scanning a QR code.
How it works
When attempting to log in on a new device, WhatsApp sends a notification to the primary phone asking for confirmation. The user taps “Continue” and the device is linked without scanning a QR code. In some cases, additional QR code scanning may be required for verification. To use this feature, users must have a passkey set up (Settings → Account → Passkeys).
Why it’s needed
Simplifies and speeds up the device linking process, especially when scanning a QR code is inconvenient. Improves security through biometric authentication.
Status
The feature is in development for Android. A release is expected in a future update.
Contacts Tab in Bottom Navigation
WhatsApp is preparing to replace the Updates tab with a new Contacts tab that shows who among your contacts is currently online.
How it works
In the new Contacts tab, favorite contacts appear at the top, followed by a full list sorted alphabetically or by activity. Online contacts are marked with a green dot. Recently active contacts with their last seen time are also visible. Contacts who hide their online status do not appear. Statuses and channels have already started moving to the Chats tab, freeing up space for the new tab.
Why it’s needed
Simplifies finding contacts who are available right now. Speeds up starting conversations and makes communication more dynamic.
Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.
GIF Provider Replacement
WhatsApp has fully migrated users from Tenor to GIPHY following the official shutdown of Tenor’s API on July 1, 2026.
How it works
All users who previously used Tenor for GIF search are now automatically directed to GIPHY. The transition happened server-side, with no need to update the app or change settings. GIF search works as usual, though results may differ slightly due to different ranking systems. Klipy, previously considered as a replacement, is not currently active — it may be introduced as a third provider in the future.
Why it’s needed
Ensures uninterrupted GIF search after Tenor’s shutdown. Using GIPHY as a proven provider guarantees stability for millions of users.
Status
The feature is available on Android and iOS. Users have been automatically migrated to GIPHY.
New Setup Interface for Android Tablets
WhatsApp is testing a new setup screen for Android tablets that simplifies choosing between companion mode and a full primary device experience.
How it works
On first launch of WhatsApp on an Android tablet, a “Choose an option” screen appears. The first option — “Log into WhatsApp” — allows users to link the tablet as a companion device via QR code. The second option — “Transfer your account” — makes the tablet the primary device: users enter their phone number, receive a 6-digit code, and restore their chat history from Google Drive. The phone automatically loses primary status but can be linked back as a companion. In primary device mode, all features are available without restrictions (including live location and broadcast lists).
Why it’s needed
Gives users more flexibility: the tablet can be used as a fully functional primary device — for example, if the phone breaks. Simplifies setup and makes the process intuitive.
Status
The feature is available to some Android beta testers. Gradual rollout.
Conclusion
This week, WhatsApp focused on privacy and control: Side Chat provides contextual AI help without compromising security, usernames hide phone numbers when communicating with new contacts, and passkeys simplify device linking. The navigation redesign with the Contacts tab prepares the interface for a new way to find conversation partners. Technical changes (GIF provider replacement and the new tablet interface) make the platform more reliable and convenient across different devices.
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