The rollout timeline for these features is unclear, but reports suggest they may not be available until the end of the year.
WhatsApp’s new feature: Chat without sharing phone numbers, Details inside. WhatsApp, a Meta-owned messaging platform, is testing a new feature that allows users to chat without revealing their phone numbers. This feature, currently in beta, aims to enhance user privacy and improve the messaging experience.
Users will be able to create a unique username, linked to their WhatsApp account, which can be shared with others to start conversations without exchanging phone numbers.
This feature is similar to Telegram‘s existing username system and will add a significant layer of privacy to WhatsApp. However, if users already have each other’s phone numbers saved, the phone number will still be visible.
Moreover, another feature in the beta version aims to reduce spam by requiring a PIN (at least four digits) for users who haven’t interacted before to chat, even if they know the username.
The rollout timeline for these features is unclear, but reports suggest they may not be available until the end of the year.
Additionally, WhatsApp is developing a “Reshare Status Updates” feature, similar to Instagram’s, which will simplify sharing status updates where users have been tagged.
