WhatsApp is working on a new feature for its Android beta app that will allow users to choose shorter times for disappearing messages. This update is an expansion of the existing disappearing message options, which currently include 24 hours, 7 days, and 90 days. The new message expiration timers that WhatsApp will be getting are 1 hour and 12 hours.
The 1-hour option is intended for situations where messages need to disappear almost immediately, such as when sharing sensitive information. With the 12-hour option, you have a better balance between convenience and privacy for messages relevant for part of a day. These new timers have been uncovered by WABetaInfo, but they’re not yet available for beta testers or the general public.
The 1-hour timer carries a risk with it that the countdown begins as soon as the message is delivered, not when it is opened. This means that the message could vanish before the recipient has even had a chance to read it, and could mess up the communication flow if the recipient doesn’t check the conversation quickly. Senders will be warned by WhatsApp about this drawback each time they select the 1-hour option.
On the other hand, the 12-hour option strikes a balance by allowing messages to remain for a good time without staying in the chat indefinitely. This makes it more suitable for scenarios like event planning or coordinating short-term tasks. This timer could be more ideal for details that are only relevant for a few hours.
The addition of these new timers could improve the user experience by allowing people to choose the most appropriate duration for their conversation context. Expanding the feature set for users also makes them more likely to stick with WhatsApp instead of switching to feature-heavy messengers such as Telegram.