Here is what WhatsApp has hidden for the New Year. Check your chats now!#

December 19, 2025

Greetings to everyone who's been following WhatsApp! Last week, the messenger's developers delighted us with both practical improvements for communication and fun holiday surprises. In this digest, we've compiled the key announcements—from useful tags in group chats to New Year's animations and new ways to respond to statuses.

Custom Tags in Group Chats#

WhatsApp is introducing a feature that allows users to display custom tags in group chats.

How it will work#

WhatsApp is introducing the ability for group chat participants to add a personal tag to their name—a short text label visible to everyone in the group. Each user can set it in the group information by selecting their name from the list of participants. For example, in a parent chat, you could indicate "Sasha's Mom," and in a work project, "Designer" or "Report Responsible." The tag is linked only to one specific chat and does not change your name in other conversations.

Why it's needed#

This feature is designed to instantly clarify roles and responsibilities within a group, especially in large, structured groups such as work teams, classrooms, and interest groups. This saves time by eliminating unnecessary questions about roles. The tag is visible both in the participant list and in the message bubble, making communication much more transparent and organized.

Status#

This feature is currently in beta testing and is gradually becoming available to WhatsApp Beta users for Android. The testing pool will expand in the coming weeks.

Native Apple Watch App#

In its official changelog, WhatsApp mentions the release of a new app compatible with Apple Watch.

How it will work#

After several months of testing, WhatsApp has officially released its app for Apple Watch. It is now listed in the changelog for stable iOS versions as one of the key features of the update. The app works as a companion to your iPhone: it requires an active phone nearby. You can use it to read conversations, reply with voice messages or quick templates, view media, and react to emoji messages.

Why it works#

This feature is designed for maximum convenience in situations when your phone is not nearby: during a workout, a short walk, or when you need to quickly glance at a notification without having to look at your smartphone. This makes everyday communication even more seamless and uninterrupted.

Status#

The app is now available to all iPhone users with a paired Apple Watch (requires watchOS 10.0 or later). You can install it from the standard App Store on your watch.

Safe Chat Tips#

WhatsApp is working on a feature that offers recommendations for safe and responsible messaging.

How it will work#

WhatsApp is developing a new educational feature for users whose accounts have been temporarily suspended due to violations. During the unblock request process, users will be shown explanations and recommendations explaining the specific rule violated and how to avoid it in the future. The system will address common issues such as bulk messaging, bot-based messaging, or excessive messaging to unfamiliar contacts.

Why it's needed#

The goal is not just to punish, but to inform and prevent future violations. Many users may unknowingly violate rules through aggressive promotional methods or unverified third-party apps. These tips will help them understand the boundaries of what's acceptable on WhatsApp and maintain account access.

Status#

The feature is in active development and is being tested in the beta version for Android.

Channel Analytics#

WhatsApp is launching a feature that displays confetti animations instead of emoji reactions.

How it will work#

In honor of the upcoming holidays, WhatsApp is reactivating its seasonal confetti animations. Now, when you react to a message with certain holiday emojis (🎉 firecracker, 🥂 glasses, 🎊 confetti, 😄 party face), a colorful animated effect will fill the entire screen for a few seconds. This year, the firecracker emoji has also been added to the quick reactions bar for even greater convenience.

Why it works#

This is a small but pleasant visual enhancement that helps create a festive mood right in chats with friends, family, or colleagues. It makes communication more emotional, lively, and in keeping with the spirit of New Year and Christmas.

Status#

The animation is already available to some users in the stable version of WhatsApp for Android. It is temporary and will be active throughout the holiday season.

Reaction Stickers for Statuses#

WhatsApp is introducing a feature that allows users to react to status updates with a reaction sticker.

How it works#

A new, more interactive feedback form is being added to statuses (stories). When creating a status, the author can now add a special reaction sticker with any emoji to a photo or video. Viewers, upon seeing this sticker, can instantly send a reaction by simply tapping it. All such reactions are collected for the author in a separate, private section.

Why it's needed#

This feature makes interacting with statuses easier, more visual, and more engaging. A sticker placed directly on the content serves as a clear call to action, which can increase reactions. This allows the author to receive clearer feedback, and allows viewers to express their emotions with a single tap, without leaving the status.

Status#

This feature is currently in advanced testing and is already available not only to beta testers but also to some users of the stable version of WhatsApp for Android and iOS.

Conclusion#

The past week has shown that WhatsApp continues to evolve in several areas: improving group organization with tags, taking digital literacy and user security seriously, and not forgetting to add festive touches to set the mood. The messenger team is balancing the introduction of robust tools for structured communication with the addition of lightweight, social features that make everyday communication more enjoyable.

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