WhatsApp is working on a new feature for sharing status updates with a custom close friends list. The feature will allow users to select a specific audience for their statuses beyond the default options. It was discovered in the iOS 25.23.10.80 beta but it’s still under development and not yet available for beta testing.
When the feature is available, it will create a separate close friends list that will be managed within the app’s privacy settings. Users will be able to choose whether to share a new status with their default audience or exclusively with this select list. Whenever you share updates with this group, they will be visually distinguished by use of a different color.
Managing the list is designed to be discreet, WhatsApp will not inform contacts when they have been added or removed from the list. Additionally, any changes you make will only affect future status update, any previously shared status will still be visible to the original audience.
Status updates shared with close friends will remain temporary, disappearing after 24 hours. These updates will also be protected with end-to-end encryption. This ensure that only the intended recipients can view the content; neither Meta nor WhatsApp have access to it. For clarification, this level of security and protection is also provided when sharing statuses with the default audience.
With this new under development feature, users will have a more intimate way to share personal moments with a trusted group. It adds a layer of exclusivity that can encourage people to share more authentically, without worrying about sounding good. The discreet management of the list helps to avoid any unwanted attention or social pressure.
Once WhatsApp has this feature working properly expect it to arrive for beta testers in phases before it gets made available for everyone. WhatsApp doesn’t give a timeline for when this feature will arrive so you’ll just have to be patient.
Source and image via WABetaInfo