WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new feature intended for future app updates. According to sources, the upcoming functionality will enable users to manage multiple WhatsApp accounts on a single device. Last year, the messaging platform launched a companion mode, which lets users access one account across several devices. Now, it appears that the company is focusing on a feature that permits multiple accounts on the same device.
The feature tracker WABetaInfo shared insights in a post, stating that the multi-account capability has been observed during testing on the WhatsApp Business beta version 2.23.13.5 available on the Google Play Store. The functionality will also be applicable to the standard WhatsApp Messenger, as indicated by accompanying visuals in the report. It is currently under development and is anticipated to be released to the public later this year.
The proposed multi-account feature will introduce a menu that allows users to select which account to log into. When a user creates a new account, it will be stored on the device until they choose to log out. Users can subsequently add additional accounts within the app, reminiscent of the functionality already offered by Instagram.
This rumored feature aims to allow users to keep their personal and professional communications separate, as well as manage other social engagements, all from a single application. This organizational capability could help users maintain their privacy across different accounts while also customizing notifications for each, facilitating easier account switching.
While the feature was initially seen in the beta version of the business app, there is no confirmation that it will be limited to business accounts. There is a strong likelihood that this feature will eventually be accessible to all users, starting with those participating in beta testing.
Typically, when WhatsApp rolls out a new feature for Android, an equivalent version is released for iOS shortly afterward. Therefore, it is plausible that an iOS iteration of the multi-account functionality may soon follow the Android testing.
