WhatsApp is preparing one of its biggest updates yet — introducing username reservation alongside a wave of new features designed to enhance privacy, user experience, and cross-platform consistency. The latest beta versions for iOS and Android reveal significant upgrades, including reaction stickers, chat limits, and a redesigned iPad sidebar, all part of WhatsApp’s broader effort to make communication safer and smarter.
The highlight of this update is the username reservation feature, a long-awaited addition that gives users the ability to register unique usernames — allowing messaging without sharing phone numbers. This marks a major shift from the traditional number-based model WhatsApp has used since its launch.
A Major Step Toward Privacy and Control
The username reservation system, currently being tested on both platforms, lets users secure their preferred usernames before official rollout. Each username must follow specific rules: it can only include lowercase letters, digits, underscores, or periods, and must be 3 to 30 characters long. Names cannot begin with “www” or end with a period, ensuring a consistent and secure format.
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Once fully launched, users will be able to chat using usernames instead of phone numbers, significantly improving privacy and reducing the risk of unwanted exposure.
In addition, WhatsApp is developing an optional PIN system that allows users to block unsolicited messages from people who only know their username — an important step toward number-free, secure communication.
New Features: Reaction Stickers and Chat Limits
Beyond privacy tools, WhatsApp is introducing reaction stickers for status updates, spotted in Android beta version 2.25.30.2. This feature enables users to add emoji-based stickers to photos or videos, similar to features on Instagram and Snapchat.
Each reaction remains end-to-end encrypted, visible only to the status author, and includes notifications showing who reacted and which emoji they used. This adds a new layer of interactivity while maintaining WhatsApp’s strong privacy standards.
To combat spam and unwanted messages, WhatsApp is also testing a chat limit system in Android beta version 2.25.31.5. This feature restricts the number of messages users can send to non-responsive contacts, helping reduce spam and intrusive outreach. Regular chats remain unaffected, while business accounts that require higher capacity will be encouraged to use WhatsApp Business.
A Redesigned Experience for iPad Users
For iOS beta users, version 25.29.10.72 introduces a revamped sidebar layout, inspired by WhatsApp for Mac. This replaces the bottom tab bar with a cleaner sidebar, better organizing calls, chats, and settings for larger screens. The layout not only improves navigation but also makes space for future tools and shortcuts as WhatsApp continues optimizing for tablets.
While WhatsApp hasn’t confirmed official release dates, these updates appear to be nearing public rollout. The username reservation feature, in particular, is expected to redefine how users connect — offering a safer, more flexible communication model.
Together with reaction stickers, chat limits, and the iPad sidebar, these features highlight WhatsApp’s mission to create a more private, interactive, and device-consistent platform.
With privacy concerns and spam control becoming more important than ever, WhatsApp’s latest betas show that the platform is evolving beyond just messaging — it’s building the future of secure digital communication.
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