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WhatsApp New Features of the Past Week (October 10, 2025 - October 17, 2025)#

October 17, 2025

New features in WA

Greetings to everyone following WhatsApp! Last week, the messenger developers released several important updates, introducing a range of improvements to statuses, privacy, and AI interactions.

Contents#

1. Reserve Your Username Before Release#

WhatsApp is actively working on a feature that will allow users to reserve their preferred username before its official launch.

How it will work#

The unique username system is designed to replace the phone number for identification. The new option will give all users an equal chance to claim their preferred username, not just those who first update the app after its release.

Why it's needed#

To ensure fair access to preferred usernames and to enhance privacy by hiding the phone number.

Status#

The feature is in active development.

2. Quickly Send Messages to Status Viewers on iOS#

WhatsApp has begun rolling out a convenient shortcut for iOS users, previously available on Android.

How it will work#

Directly from the list of people who have viewed your status update, you can open a chat with any of them with a single tap. This eliminates the need to search for a contact in the general conversation list.

Why it's needed#

To speed up and simplify communication, making it as quick as possible to start a conversation with status viewers.

Status#

This feature is being rolled out in the iOS beta.

3. Unified Call Center for iPhone Users#

Following successful testing on Android, the improved Calls tab is now rolling out to iOS users.

How it will work#

The new interface will consolidate all call-related actions in one place: creating a new call, scheduling WhatsApp meetings, accessing the dialer, and favorite contacts.

Why it's needed#

To streamline call management, improve feature accessibility, and make the process more intuitive.

Status#

This feature is being rolled out in the stable version of the iOS app.

4. Control How Your Statuses Are Forwarded#

WhatsApp is giving users more control over the distribution of their content by expanding its Android feature to iOS.

How it will work#

A dedicated toggle will appear in the Status Audience settings. This toggle will allow you to explicitly allow or block other users from sharing your status updates in their stories.

Why it's needed#

To enhance privacy and control over personal content, preventing its unwanted distribution.

Status#

This feature is launching in beta on iOS.

5. A Simpler, Cleaner Status Interface#

The status display screen is receiving a visual update designed to reduce visual clutter.

How it works#

The top of the screen is being optimized: the menu will be limited to only the most important actions, such as muting status notifications, reporting, or viewing contact information. A close button will also be added for greater navigation flexibility.

Why this is needed#

To make the interface more intuitive and focused on content rather than unnecessary elements.

Status#

Tested in beta for Android.

6. Chat Privately with Meta AI in Incognito Mode#

WhatsApp is experimenting with new ways to interact with artificial intelligence, with privacy at the forefront.

How it will work#

A feature is being developed that will allow users to communicate with the Meta AI chatbot in "incognito mode." This will give users even greater control over the data transmitted to the AI.

Why it's needed#

To ensure privacy when using advanced AI features, giving users confidence that their conversations remain private.

Status#

This feature is in active development.

7. Beware of Beta Scammers#

Amid the announcement of new interfaces like "Liquid Glass," scammers have become more active.

How it works#

Scammers on Telegram and other platforms are offering paid invitations to the non-existent WhatsApp beta program for iOS, using fake screenshots and news to legitimize the program.

Why this is important#

WhatsApp never charges for beta access. The official program is free, and spots in it for iOS are limited to 10,000 participants.

How to protect yourself#

Never transfer money or click links from unverified sources. Official beta versions are distributed only through the Google Play Beta Program and TestFlight.

Conclusion#

The past week has shown that WhatsApp is continuing its strategy of unifying features across platforms, while simultaneously focusing on privacy and AI. From the upcoming username system to smarter status control, each update is aimed at giving users greater convenience and control.

At GREEN-API, we monitor all WhatsApp updates to provide you with the latest news and solutions for automating your business processes. Stay tuned to stay up-to-date with all the latest developments!