What’s New?
The latest beta update changes how users are notified when they are mentioned or tagged in a contact’s Status. According to a report from WABetaInfo, which first detected the change, the previous notification was styled similarly to a standard message alert. This design caused it to blend in with other chats and get lost in active inboxes. The new implementation aims to make these specific alerts more distinct and prominent within the app’s interface, ensuring users see them.
Why it matters
The core issue this update resolves is notification clutter. Many users are part of numerous groups and individual chats, leading to a constant stream of alerts. A Status mention notification could be pushed down the screen and go unnoticed within seconds. This change is not a major feature overhaul but a practical adjustment to improve a specific interaction that has become more common as Status usage has grown. The goal is to increase the probability that a user is aware they have been tagged.
Currently, this feature is exclusively available to participants in the official WhatsApp beta program who use an iPhone. Testers can check for the update via the TestFlight app. As is common with beta rollouts, availability may be staggered even among registered testers. This update follows a pattern of recent, minor improvements to the iOS app, focusing on refining existing functionalities rather than introducing large-scale changes.
An official public release date for this feature has not been announced. Its rollout to all iOS users is contingent on the results and feedback from the current beta testing phase. It is also unclear if the final design will be identical to what is currently being tested or if it will undergo further modifications.
If the beta test is deemed successful, the improved Status mention notification will be incorporated into a future public version of WhatsApp available on the App Store. Users not enrolled in the beta program will need to wait for this official release to see the change. No action is required from the general user base at this time.
Users who are part of the official WhatsApp beta program should check the TestFlight application on their iPhone to see if version 2.6.7.10.72 is available for them to download. All other users should simply continue to keep their WhatsApp application updated through the App Store to receive the feature once it is publicly released.
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