This weekly WhatsApp beta roundup collects all the major updates and upcoming features spotted over the past few days. If you haven’t been keeping track, this summary will help you catch up quickly. The biggest highlight this week is the rollout of third-party chat support, allowing WhatsApp users to message people on other apps from within the platform itself — a major step toward more open and connected messaging. Here’s everything new that was introduced and tested across Android, iOS, desktop, and future builds.
Third-Party Chats Now Rolling Out on Android
With the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.33.8, users can now enable third-party chats, a new feature allowing messaging across different apps. This means you will be able to chat with users outside WhatsApp, provided the other app also supports the system.
You can find the feature under:
Settings > Account > Third-party chats
Right now, only one service — BirdyChat — supports this integration. However, other apps are expected to join once they meet WhatsApp’s encryption and safety standards.
Users can send:
- Text messages
- Photos and videos
- Voice messages
- Documents
However, some WhatsApp-exclusive features will not work in cross-app chats yet, such as:
- Stickers
- Status updates
- Disappearing messages
This rollout is closely tied to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major messaging platforms to allow interoperability. While the feature is optional, WhatsApp confirms privacy remains a priority, though blocked users on WhatsApp may still reach out through third-party apps, depending on that app’s rules.
iOS Gets Third-Party Chat Support Too
The same third-party chat feature is now appearing on the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS. After updating, some users will see a new setup banner at:
Settings > Account > Third-Party Chats
For now:
- Only one-on-one cross-app conversations are supported
- Group chats across platforms will be introduced later
iOS users also get the choice to separate third-party chats into a dedicated inbox, making them easier to manage. Like the Android rollout, the feature is currently restricted to European users under DMA regulations.
WhatsApp Confirms Usernames Coming in 2026
WhatsApp has officially confirmed that usernames are coming to the platform next year. This major update will allow people to connect without sharing phone numbers, improving privacy for both personal and business communication.
Alongside usernames, WhatsApp is introducing a new identifier called Business-Scoped User ID (BSUID). This lets businesses interact with users securely without seeing their phone numbers, and will be required for Business API providers by June 2026.
As usernames roll out gradually, WhatsApp aims to create a more streamlined, modern messaging system where identity is not tied directly to a mobile number.
WhatsApp Is Developing a Strict Security Mode
WhatsApp is working on a strict security mode designed for users who believe they may be targeted in cyber attacks, surveillance attempts, or high-risk digital harassment.
This mode automatically:
- Blocks media from unknown senders
- Disables link previews
- Silences calls from unsaved contacts
- Limits group invitations to known contacts
- Hides last seen, profile photo, and online status
- Enables warnings for security code changes
- Protects IP address during calls by routing them through WhatsApp servers
Once enabled, many privacy and security settings become locked to prevent accidental weakening. This update is intended for journalists, activists, public figures, and users who want maximum protection.
A similar feature is now being tested in a beta update for iOS, confirming a broader rollout soon.
Chat Theme Customization Comes to WhatsApp for Mac
WhatsApp is giving Mac users more customization control with 22 preset chat themes and 38 additional color options. Users can also:
- Adjust brightness
- Apply themes to individual chats
- Keep Mac themes separate from iPhone themes
This lets users personalize conversations and visually separate work chats from personal ones, improving both usability and comfort.
WhatsApp Testing a ‘Requests’ Folder for Unknown Messages
WhatsApp is developing a new privacy tool called “Who can message me” that filters messages from unknown contacts. Users can choose:
- Everyone → Default behavior
- My Contacts → Messages from unknown numbers go to a Requests folder
This folder lets users preview messages before choosing to respond, delete, block, or report. Once usernames launch, this folder will help manage contacts found through search.
WhatsApp Working on Username-Based Calling
A future update will allow users to make voice and video calls using usernames, without exchanging phone numbers. A username key will also be introduced to prevent unwanted call attempts, giving users more control over who can reach them.
