WhatsApp is working on a major update that will change how users find and contact others. The platform is testing a new username-based search and calling feature in its latest iOS beta. This upgrade aims to make connecting on WhatsApp easier, safer, and more private. The feature is still under development and is expected to roll out next year.
What the New Beta Reveals
The latest WhatsApp beta for iOS shows that the app is preparing to display usernames when someone searches for an unknown phone number. If the searched number belongs to a WhatsApp account, the app will show the linked username and, depending on privacy settings, the profile picture.
This update is part of WhatsApp’s larger plan to allow users to find and contact others through usernames instead of phone numbers, adding an extra layer of privacy and convenience.
How the Username Display Will Work
When users search for a phone number they don’t recognize, WhatsApp will show the account’s username if it exists. The phone number will still appear in the chat info section, but usernames will become the primary form of identification during search.
This means users can look up someone by searching their username without revealing phone numbers. It also helps protect private details while still making communication easy.
Why This Feature Matters
Currently, searching an unknown number only displays the phone number and profile photo (if visible). The push name set by the user is not revealed unless both users have interacted before, which often makes it hard to identify unknown contacts.
With the new system;
- unknown contacts become easier to recognize
- username search provides a clearer identity
- users can trust new messages or calls more easily
- decisions on whether to respond become quicker
This update is expected to improve safety, reduce confusion, and make WhatsApp communication more user-friendly.
Rollout Timeline
WhatsApp is still fine-tuning the username features. The platform has announced that Business accounts must support usernames before June 2026. User-facing usernames are expected to launch later the same year, meaning the full rollout may take time.
WhatsApp’s upcoming username search system marks a big shift toward safer and easier communication. By allowing users to rely on usernames instead of phone numbers, the platform is aiming to offer better privacy, improved clarity, and a smoother way to connect. More updates are expected as WhatsApp continues testing the feature in future beta versions.
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