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Forget about spam and lost messages with new WhatsApp features#

February 2, 2026

New features in WA

Greetings to everyone following WhatsApp! Last week, the messenger developers introduced several important improvements aimed at enhancing security, improving the interface, and expanding content management functionality. Read on to learn about the key innovations coming in the upcoming updates.

Contents#

Strict Account Security#

WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to apply strict security settings to their Android and iOS accounts.

How it will work#

WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to activate a single switch that applies the platform's most stringent privacy and security measures. Once activating strict security mode, the system automatically:

  • Blocks attachments and media from unknown senders
  • Disables link previews to prevent exposure to potentially unsafe content
  • Mutes incoming calls from unknown numbers
  • Restricts group invitations to contacts only
  • Enables two-step verification by default
  • Restricts visibility of personal information (profile photo, status, last seen) to contacts only
  • Always masks IP addresses when calling through WhatsApp servers
  • Notifies users of changes to encryption keys in chats

Key settings are locked when activating the mode, ensuring consistent protection. The feature can be disabled by the user at any time, and management is only available from the account's primary device.

Why is this necessary?#

This feature is designed for users who are wary of targeted cyberthreats and require maximum protection. It consolidates multiple security layers into one easily accessible toggle, simplifying privacy management even for users with limited technical skills. It's important to note that most users don't need to enable this mode, as WhatsApp's existing protections already provide robust privacy and security for everyday use.

Status#

This feature is currently being tested with a limited group of beta testers on Android and iOS.

Updated Chat Bubble Design#

WhatsApp is working on a feature that will give its message bubbles a softer, more modern design.

How it will work#

WhatsApp is testing updated speech bubbles with a more rounded design. The new bubbles will have a softer, more pronounced rounded appearance, will be taller, and will take on a pill-like shape. This will create a smoother flow between messages and give each bubble a more subtle appearance on the screen.

The current bubble design retains the subtle curvature that has shaped the app's visual identity for over a decade. The upcoming updated style will add a calmer visual tone, in line with the direction many Android apps have recently taken.

Why it's needed#

The updated design aligns with modern mobile app design trends, delivering a more polished and welcoming look that maintains a familiar user experience. While the differences may seem subtle at first glance, they become quite apparent when directly comparing the current and upcoming designs.

Status#

This feature is currently in development and is planned for release in a future update.

Status Update Drafts#

WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to save drafts of their status updates.

How it will work#

WhatsApp is expanding the drafts feature, previously only available in the chat list. Users will now be able to save unfinished status posts for later editing. When creating a status with text, drawings, or stickers, a visible save button will appear at the top of the screen among the familiar tools.

By tapping this button, users can save their draft in seconds. There's also a save option that appears when exiting the editor using the back button, preventing accidental loss of progress and offering a clear choice between canceling and saving as a draft.

The system preserves all relevant elements, including overlays, text formatting, and positioning, so the draft will open exactly as it was left.

Why is this necessary?#

Previously, users who wanted to save a partially edited image had to send it to their own chat, which resulted in clutter and an unnecessary copy of the file in the conversation. The new approach allows users to prepare visual elements and written notes directly in the editor, giving them the ability to save their work without publishing or sending. This is especially useful for users who regularly adjust colors, apply drawings, or experiment with stickers.

Status#

This feature is available to a limited group of beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta update for Android.

Improved Forwarding and Group Creation Interface#

WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that makes message forwarding and group creation more prominent.

How it will work#

WhatsApp has redesigned the forward picker interface. The names of selected contacts and groups have been moved to the top bar of the app as a subheader, clearing up the bottom of the screen and offering a more modern look. The traditional send button has been replaced with a larger forward button at the bottom, making it more prominent.

Next to the new forward button, a dedicated option to create a new group has been added, which becomes active when at least two contacts are selected. This placement at the bottom of the interface now highlights the feature and encourages users to create groups directly from the forward picker.

WhatsApp is also testing a hybrid configuration that blends elements of the old interface with the new design. In this version, the names of selected contacts and groups remain at the bottom, as in the previous layout.

Why is this needed?#

These changes make the steps required to forward messages more transparent for new users, while experienced users benefit from a streamlined layout and large action buttons. The combination of a prominent forward button and a clearly visible option to create a group creates a more manageable workflow, reducing hesitation and helping users complete tasks faster.

Status#

This feature is available to a limited group of beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta update for Android.

Integrated Gallery in the Share Menu#

WhatsApp is introducing a feature that allows users to send media from the built-in gallery to the chat menu.

How it will work#

WhatsApp is testing integrating a gallery interface directly into the bottom of the chat attachment menu, allowing users to view and select recent photos and videos without opening the main gallery app. The interface begins with a camera shortcut, which mirrors the functionality already available in the chat panel, providing quick access to capturing new content.

Below the camera input, users will see their latest media from the device gallery. The new arrangement eliminates the need to exit the chat to access the gallery, allowing users to view their media while remaining fully informed about the current conversation.

When selecting a photo or video from the new gallery panel, WhatsApp does not automatically send the item. Instead, the app presents it in a drawing editor, allowing users to make changes, such as adding text, stickers, or drawings, before sharing. This prevents accidental sending and gives users full control over their media before it appears in the chat.

Why is this necessary?#

The new layout provides a more seamless workflow, as users no longer need to switch between different sections to select what they want to send. Frequent media sharers will notice a smoother flow. This is especially useful after the update, which allows sharing files up to two gigabytes in size, significantly facilitating the transfer of large files in chats.

Status#

This feature is available to a limited group of beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta update for Android.

Conclusion#

Over the past week, WhatsApp demonstrated its commitment to improving both the platform's functionality and security. From introducing strict security settings to protect vulnerable users to modernizing the interface with a softer bubble design and built-in content management tools, the developers are focused on creating a more secure, convenient, and visually appealing messaging experience.

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