A beta release of WhatsApp for Android introduces a new text formatting tool within the messaging editor, as reported by WABetaInfo. The option appears in the context menu used during message editing, expanding the app beyond plain text. Users can highlight portions of messages, quote specific fragments, and organize content into numbered or bulleted lists by applying formatting characters. This helps structure thoughts, emphasize key points, and arrange content within chats without leaving the app.
The formatting tools are designed to be straightforward and accessible for everyday users. By opening the editor options, readers can apply emphasis, include inline quotes, and format lists with just a few steps. The feature seems to mirror familiar conventions from other popular messaging services, offering a recognizable and intuitive workflow for users who rely on concise, well-structured messages in both personal and professional chats.
Currently, the formatting capability is available in a beta version of WhatsApp for Android, with build number 2.24.2.9. It is already accessible to testers in selected regions, and a wider rollout to the public version is expected soon. As with other beta features, adjustments or refinements may occur based on user feedback before the feature becomes widely available.
WhatsApp remains one of the world’s leading messaging apps, owned by Meta Platforms. The service has seen rapid growth and substantial engagement, attracting billions of monthly active users across global markets. In Canada and the United States, WhatsApp is already a staple in daily communication for individuals, families, and businesses alike, thanks to cross-device synchronization, end-to-end encryption, and a broad user base. The ongoing feature updates aim to keep the platform competitive in a crowded landscape where users increasingly expect rich text options and flexible message formatting as part of everyday chats.
Earlier, Telegram introduced similar formatting features that let users style text and structure messages with lists and quotes. The WhatsApp addition signals a shift toward in-message formatting that aligns with user expectations, a trend growing across major messaging apps. The beta testing phase will help determine how the feature performs under real-world usage and what tweaks may be needed to maximize reliability and ease of use for a wide audience. In the coming weeks, more information about availability and instructions for enabling formatting in the stable release may be shared by WhatsApp and its community supporters. [Citation: WABetaInfo]”