From usernames to secret codes for locked chats, here are the upcoming WhatsApp features

• WhatsApp is expected to soon get several new features, on phones as well as the web client.
• The Meta-owned platform is working on several new features, including usernames, secret codes and more.
• Here are some of the features expected to soon launch on WhatsApp.

Popular messaging app WhatsApp received several features in 2023, including the ability to edit messages, use multiple accounts on a single phone, chat lock, the ability to silence unknown calls and more. The Meta-owned platform is currently working on some interesting features, which are expected to be rolled out soon.

The upcoming features range from improved privacy features to design changes. The platform is also adding new features to its recently announced channels. In this post, we look at some of the upcoming WhatsApp features.

Usernames

WhatsApp is expected to soon introduce a new feature that will allow you to set usernames on the app. Meta’s other applications such as Instagram and Facebook already allow users to use unique usernames on their platforms.

With the introduction of this feature, users will be able to set unique usernames on WhatsApp and will not be required to share their phone number to connect with someone.

Telegram has been offering this feature for a while now and Signal today announced the rollout of the feature.

Redesigned status bar

WhatsApp is also testing a redesigned status bar, which will allow users to view large versions of the status bar, getting a preview of the status without having to open it. The channels will be placed below the status bar, in the updates section.

Status updates for Channels

WhatsApp is also working on a new feature for Channels, its recently announced feature. Channels will soon be able to share status updates with their followers. This feature is expected to soon be available for mobile and web users.

File sharing

WhatsApp is also expected to get a new feature that will allow users to easily share files. This feature is similar to Google’s Quick Share feature and is expected to allow users to share files up to 2GB. This feature will allow users to share files only with users who are near them.

Secret code to lock WhatsApp chats

Users of the WhatsApp web client will soon be able to lock chats using a secret code. WhatsApp has been testing this feature for some time now and is expected to start rolling it out soon. Users will be able to lock chats using a secret code and this code will be required to open the chat in future.

Profile picture screenshots

In a bid to boost user privacy, WhatsApp is planning on rolling out a new feature that will prevent users from taking a screenshot of the profile pictures of other users. Users who try to take a screenshot of a profile picture will get an error message that reads “Can’t take a screenshot due to app restrictions”.

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