Grace Ashiru
WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year, following its acquisition by Facebook in early 2014. With an impressive user base of over 3 billion daily active users, particularly in the global south and Europe, WhatsApp has become an integral part of communication for people worldwide, facilitating the exchange of over 300 billion messages and 8 billion voice messages.
Here’s a sneak peek at the upcoming features that WhatsApp has been diligently working on, set to be released to the public either this week or in the coming month.
End-To-End Encryption Icon on Chats
In an effort to reinforce the privacy and security of user chats, WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that highlights end-to-end encryption. This will be indicated by a padlock icon accompanied by the caption “end-to-end encrypted,” prominently displayed beneath the chat head. While this feature is already available on the iOS app, it will soon be rolled out to the Android app.
Passkey Support for Account Verification
To bolster user security, WhatsApp is introducing a passkey feature for streamlined account verification. This enhancement aims to simplify the login process, eliminating the need to enter a 6-digit code. While this feature is optional, it is strongly recommended as an additional layer of security through multi-factor authentication.
Support for Third-Party Chat Interoperability
In compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) enforced by the EU, WhatsApp is working towards enabling third-party chat interoperability. This means that users on platforms such as Signal or Telegram can now communicate with WhatsApp users without the need for a WhatsApp account, and vice versa. This feature, located in the chat section of the app, is designed to ensure seamless communication across different messaging platforms, while upholding strict encryption protocols as mandated by the EU
Pinned Events for Community Group Chats
Recognizing the need for improved functionality within community group chats, WhatsApp is introducing a pinned event reminder icon at the top of the group chat section. This enhancement aims to facilitate easy access to scheduled events and reminders, eliminating the need for manual search within the chat.
With these new features on the horizon, WhatsApp is committed to enhancing the user experience and ensuring the security and privacy of its diverse user base.
