Millions of WhatsApp users have said the app is getting seven big changes you can’t ignore

DETAILS of seven major WhatsApp updates have been revealed online – and some of them are already live.

It means your app is changing forever, so you want to know exactly what’s happening.

1

Typically, WhatsApp tests updates first in the beta version of the app.

That means we often hear about new features before they land in the general release of WhatsApp.

Now the tech experts from WABetaInfo delved into the beta to uncover some new features.

And some on the list are already live on WhatsApp, so you can try them today.

Upcoming WhatsApp changes revealed

Here are the changes…

• The ability to show status updates in the chat list on WhatsApp Desktop (Beta).
• More in-app info on locking screenshots on View Once messages for Android and iOS (beta)
• Personalized Metaverse-style avatars to share as stickers on iOS and Android (Live Now)
• Open Chats With Yourself on iOS, Android, Desktop and Windows (Live Now)
• Search recent groups by typing a contact name in chat list on WhatsApp desktop (live now)
• View Once text messages styled with View Once images and videos (under development)
• The ability to react to messages sent to a WhatsApp community (under development)

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to say exactly when all of these features will come out.

Some of the updates may be weeks or even months away.

If you want to try out the latest features before everyone else, it may be worth joining the WhatsApp beta.

This gives you access to “test” changes before they are rolled out to the live version of the app.

Follow our guide below if you want to join.

How to get WhatsApp beta

To download WhatsApp Beta for your smartphone, you need to go to Google Play on your smartphone Android and search for whatsapp.

Scroll down the page until you see “Become a Beta Tester”.

Tap the “I’m in” button, then tap “Join” to confirm.

Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.

Join the WhatsApp beta iOS is more difficult and has a limited capacity.

Follow Apple’s instructions here.

The best tips and hacks for phones and gadgets

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find these secret features in social media apps? We’ve got you covered…

Get the latest news about WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other tech gadgets here.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science Team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk