WhatsApp is testing a new username feature that will allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers, improving privacy. Similar to Instagram, this feature will enable users to initiate conversations using a unique username rather than a phone number.
First discovered by WABetaInfo in the beta version for Android, the feature is now being rolled out to select iOS beta users. Users can set their unique username from the app’s profile page, which can include a combination of alphanumeric and special characters. When someone initiates a chat using a username, the associated phone number will remain private unless the user chooses to share it.
WhatsApp is expected to allow both individuals and businesses to create usernames. Like regular chats, conversations started via usernames will remain end-to-end encrypted. Additionally, WhatsApp is introducing a new reply bar feature that enables users to send images, videos, and GIFs when viewing media in a conversation. This update follows other recent feature additions, such as Telegram-like Channels, a native iPad app, and UPI payments for businesses.
