According to a recent report from WABetaInfo, upcoming updates to include a new option called "Username and PIN"

Meta-owned WhatsApp is set to introduce several new features aimed at enhancing user privacy and engagement. According to a recent report from WABetaInfo, a WhatsApp features tracker, these updates include a new option called "Username and PIN," which could significantly change how users interact on the platform.

Users will soon be able to substitute their phone numbers with usernames

Key Privacy Features: "Username and PIN"

• Username Option: Users will soon be able to substitute their phone numbers with usernames, offering an added layer of privacy. This means that users can choose not to share their mobile numbers with everyone, reducing the risk of unwanted contact or privacy breaches. 
• Privacy Settings: WhatsApp will offer three distinct privacy settings:
• Username Only: Users can hide their phone numbers and display only their usernames to others. This option will still allow existing contacts who already have the user's phone number to see it.
• Phone Number: The traditional method where the phone number is visible to contacts.
• Username with PIN: This setting introduces an extra layer of security, where users can create a four-digit PIN to share with specific people. Only those with this PIN will be able to connect with the user on WhatsApp. Despite this added privacy, contacts who already have the user's phone number can still message them even if the PIN feature is activated.

This feature aims to provide users more control over their privacy, particularly by managing who can initially contact them through WhatsApp. It is described as an optional tool, giving users flexibility in how they manage their contact visibility.

Beta Testing and Availability

Currently, the "Username and PIN" feature is accessible to users of WhatsApp's Android beta version 2.24.18.2, allowing early testers to try out the new privacy options. However, stable Android users will need to wait for a broader rollout in a future update.

New Feature for Status Updates: "Like" Reactions

WhatsApp is also expected to introduce a new feature that will enable users to show appreciation for status updates with a quick "like" reaction, similar to Instagram's story likes. This new interaction method aims to make it easier for users to engage with content shared by their contacts, fostering more interaction and feedback.

• How It Works: Users will be able to tap a heart emoji icon located at the bottom left corner of the screen while viewing a status update. This action will send a notification to the person who posted the status, informing them that they’ve received a like. Users can also see who liked their statuses by checking the standard views list, making it a seamless way to acknowledge and respond to content.
• Current Testing Phase: Reports indicate that the like reaction feature is currently being tested with public beta users and has been in development for some time. This feature, once fully rolled out, will provide a new way for WhatsApp users to interact with each other’s status updates, aligning the platform more closely with other social media apps that have similar features.

These upcoming features from WhatsApp demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing user privacy and engagement, ensuring that users have more control over their interactions and how their information is shared.