WhatsApp for iOS now suggests stickers based on emojis typed in the chat bar, surfacing relevant options without requiring users to open the sticker panel. The feature began rolling out in version 26.8.76 and is gradually reaching iPhone users.
When a user types an emoji in a conversation, WhatsApp displays a small sticker icon next to the send button. Tapping that icon opens a results view showing stickers and GIFs associated with that emoji. A Show more results
option expands the selection to include third-party sticker packs without leaving the conversation.
The feature relies on predefined emoji associations linked to stickers during their creation process. Only stickers that include these emoji tags are eligible to appear as suggestions. According to WABetaInfo, which first spotted the feature in iOS beta version 26.1.10.72, this ensures results remain contextually relevant even for users with many sticker packs downloaded.
Technical Implementation
The suggestion system depends on metadata assigned by sticker creators. Several third-party sticker creation apps on iOS already support assigning multiple emojis to a single sticker, increasing the likelihood of matches. This gives independent creators an incentive to be deliberate with emoji tagging, as better metadata directly improves discoverability.
One current limitation: stickers created using WhatsApp’s own built-in sticker editor do not support emoji associations yet, excluding them from suggestions. This may change before the feature’s full rollout.
Rollout Details
The feature is available in WhatsApp for iOS version 26.8.76 from the App Store. WhatsApp is deploying it gradually, so not all users with the latest version will see it immediately. The feature mirrors functionality already tested on Android beta late last year, indicating WhatsApp is working toward feature parity across platforms.
This update is part of a broader effort to streamline expressive features without overloading the interface. WhatsApp has been introducing several enhancements recently, including group message history that allows new members to view previous conversations, and reportedly testing enhanced security measures such as SIM binding for users in certain regions.
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