This week, WhatsApp continued to improve its user experience: status clarifications for strangers were added, chat threads were brought to the web version, and the security of linked devices was upgraded. The Liquid Glass design was also widely released, and business chats and disappearing messages received long-awaited management features.
Table of Contents
Explanations for statuses from unsaved contacts
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature for sharing statuses with unsaved contacts.
How it will work
If you receive a status from a number not in your address book, WhatsApp may display an explanatory screen. It explains that this status is available to you due to a recent interaction (chat or call) and the other user’s privacy settings. Statuses from unknown numbers are marked with the ~ symbol before the name and number.
Why it’s needed
This eliminates confusion and questions like “Why am I seeing this person’s status?” It makes it clear that the feature is based on recent contacts, not random matches. Your own privacy settings remain unchanged.
Status
This feature is available to some Android beta testers. It will gradually be available to more users.
Chat Themes on WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web is testing chat themes with 49 color options.
How it will work
The web client settings will now allow you to choose a theme for your chats. A total of 49 options will be available, including different shades of a single color (for example, several blue themes: Default Blue, Sky Blue, Royal Blue, and their tonal versions). The color of message bubbles and the background image can be changed. Themes can be set globally or individually for each chat. Other participants will not see your changes.
Why it’s needed
This is to personalize the interface and make it easier to visually distinguish between chats (work – blue, family – orange). This is especially useful for those who work extensively on the web version.
Status
This feature is in development. A release is expected in a future WhatsApp Web update.
Monitoring the activity of linked devices with notifications
WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will help Android users monitor the activity of their linked devices.
How it will work
A new option will appear in your privacy settings. When enabled, you will receive a notification on your primary device if any of your linked devices (for example, WhatsApp Web on your computer) is active simultaneously with your phone. This notification allows you to quickly check the list of active sessions and, if necessary, terminate a suspicious one.
Why it’s needed
This increases account security. If you leave a session on someone else’s computer or someone gains access to your account, you will be immediately notified and can respond.
Status
Feature in development for Android. Release in a future update.
Liquid Glass widely released for iOS
WhatsApp is actively implementing the Liquid Glass interface.
How it will work
After installing the latest update from the App Store, many WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business users will receive a Liquid Glass-style interface:
- a floating, translucent tab bar,
- buttons with a smoked glass effect and smooth animation,
- an updated context menu with a translucent effect,
- a new keyboard with translucent and soft edges.
Why it’s needed
This gives the app a modern look, consistent with the iOS 26 design language. It offers visual lightness, depth, and system integration.
Status
This feature is available to a wide range of iOS users via the App Store, but some accounts may receive the update later.
Automatic Business Chat Organization and Spam Protection
WhatsApp is working on a feature to automatically organize business chats into a separate section on Android.
How it will work
Messages from businesses using cloud providers for automated messaging (marketing updates, offers) will be automatically moved to a separate “business section” after 24 hours. They will remain in your main chat list only for the first day, so you can read them and respond if necessary. After being moved, they won’t clutter your personal feed.
Why it’s needed
This is to combat spam and intrusive notifications. It allows you to focus on communicating with loved ones without losing important business messages—they’re always available in a separate section.
Status
This feature is in development for Android. Expected in a future update.
Disappearing messages “once read” with new timers
WhatsApp is developing a feature that will give users more control over when their messages disappear on Android.
How it will work
In the disappearing messages settings, a new “After Read” option will appear. You can choose a time: 5 minutes, 1 hour, or 12 hours (previously only 15 minutes). Mechanism:
- On the sender’s device, the message disappears after the selected time has passed.
- On the recipient’s device, the countdown begins only after they open and read the message.
If the message isn’t read, it is automatically deleted after 24 hours.
Why it’s needed
This provides the most precise privacy control. Ideal for one-time passwords, sensitive data, or personal secrets—you can be sure the information will disappear shortly after the recipient sees it.
Status
This feature is in development for Android. A release is expected in a future update.
Conclusion
WhatsApp continues to move toward greater transparency, personalization, security, and the fight against information noise. Disappearing “once read” messages with flexible timers and the widespread rollout of Liquid Glass on iOS make the app both more private and more modern.
At GREEN-API, we’re keeping an eye on the news and will inform you about all the significant updates. We’re also constantly working on introducing new features to our service to make your experience even more convenient. Follow our blog to stay informed about new and useful features in WhatsApp!