WhatsApp is reportedly enhancing its Android application with a new privacy feature focused on the management of synced contacts. According to insights from a feature tracker, this development could expand the capabilities of the multi-account function, which allows users to operate two WhatsApp accounts on a single device without the need for parallel apps. The upcoming feature aims to provide users with more control over how they sync contacts from their address book.
Feature tracker WABetaInfo indicates that the contact synchronization capability will enable users to manage their address book across different devices while using WhatsApp. This feature was identified in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android, specifically version 2.24.18.14. Once available, users are expected to select which contacts they want to sync for their multiple accounts on the device.
A screenshot shared by WABetaInfo highlights a new user interface, featuring the message “Keep your contacts separate for each account.” Beyond managing contact synchronization, this feature is also expected to allow users to handle their WhatsApp contacts from linked devices.
WABetaInfo has noted that this new feature is still under development and is not accessible to beta testers who have registered through the Google Play Beta program. It may be introduced in a future update of WhatsApp for Android. It is important to recognize that even though WhatsApp is exploring various new features, not all will necessarily be incorporated into the final public release.
New Chat Management Features Under Testing
In addition to the contact management feature, WhatsApp for Android is also reportedly working on another improvement aimed at enhancing chat management. Once implemented, users will have the capability to clear their unread message notifications by marking all received messages as ‘read’ through a new option in the overflow menu located in the top-right corner of the interface.
Furthermore, there are speculations that a similar ‘mark read’ feature is being developed for the iOS version of the app, as WhatsApp aims to maintain consistency in features across both iOS and Android platforms.
