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WhatsApp is working on a HUGE update that will allow you to message users without having their phone number
- Meta’s app is developing the ability to set a WhatsApp username
- This allows you to message others without having their phone number
It’s the go-to messaging app for millions of people around the world, and now WhatsApp seems to be working on a massive update.
The Meta app is developing the ability to set a WhatsApp username, according to the leaker site, WABetaInfo.
This allows users to message others without having access to their phone number.
“WhatsApp users will have the option to add another layer of privacy to their accounts,” WABetaInfo wrote in a blog post.
“Instead of relying solely on phone numbers to identify contacts, users can choose a unique and memorable username.”
It’s the go-to messaging app for millions of people around the world, and now it looks like WhatsApp is working on a massive new update
The Meta app is developing the ability to set a WhatsApp username, according to leaker site WABetaInfo
WABetaInfo spotted the new feature in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15.
“While this feature is currently in development and not yet visible, we have a preview to share,” it read next to a screenshot of the feature.
The screenshot shows a new option to add a unique username to the profile page in the app’s settings.
However, further details on how the feature will work remain unclear.
“As this feature is still in development, it’s too early to understand how usernames work on WhatsApp,” explained WABetaInfo.
“They could allow users to communicate privately with companies, protecting their phone numbers, or perhaps extend their use even further, allowing private communication with any user.”
“Only time will give us more answers, but we are confident that in the future they will revolutionize the way we communicate on WhatsApp.”
While WhatsApp has not yet confirmed the news, several enthusiastic users have already taken to Twitter to express their delight at the rumours.
While WhatsApp has not yet confirmed the news, several enthusiastic users have already taken to Twitter to express their delight at the rumours
‘Finally!!! It was time to read something like this and that’s why the phone number can be hidden, honestly this is great!!!’ a user wrote.
“It’s great to avoid having to give out phone numbers to communicate with strangers!” added another.
And one quipped, “The battle of claiming username on WhatsApp is about to begin!”
The news comes shortly after WhatsApp launched an Edit button that lets you edit messages up to 15 minutes after they’re sent.
WhatsApp announced the new tool in a blog post this afternoon.
“From correcting a simple spelling mistake to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to give you more control over your chats,” the post read.
To use the new tool, just long-press on a sent message and choose “Edit” from the menu.
Edited posts will show “edited” next to them, letting your friends know about the correction, even though they won’t be able to see the edit history.
“As with all personal messages, media and calls, your messages and the edits you make are protected by end-to-end encryption,” WhatsApp added.