In the latest beta of WhatsApp, a build identified as 2.23.15.6 in the Google Play store hints at a new animated avatar feature with interactive reactions, including emoji-like expressions. The discovery comes via coverage from Portal, citing WABetaInfo as the source of the beta details.
According to the beta notes, users will be able to customize their avatar by capturing a photo, after which the system assists with the remaining steps to generate a personalized avatar automatically. This streamlined process aims to make avatar creation quick and accessible, letting users see a polished digital likeness emerge from a single snapshot rather than requiring lengthy manual adjustments.
At present, the feature remains under active development and is not yet scheduled for a broad release in the mainstream messaging app. While the core experience is being refined, WhatsApp testers can explore how the avatar behaves in conversations and across different chat contexts while awaiting a finalized rollout.
In addition to the customization workflow, WhatsApp has expanded its library of built-in avatars. These ready-made characters come with a range of emotional expressions and are automatically installed as part of the app after the initial setup, giving users immediate access to expressive avatars without needing to create one from scratch.
Both the avatar customization and the expanded avatar collection are anticipated to appear in a forthcoming Android app update. The beta observers noted that the avatars are ready for use, and the interaction quality in chats appears stable within the testing environment, signaling a smooth handoff to general availability if the testing confirms performance and user experience goals are met.
WhatsApp operates under the umbrella of Meta, the parent company associated with the brand owned by Mark Zuckerberg. Meta has faced varied regulatory and public scrutiny in different regions, with some jurisdictions scrutinizing its broader metaverse initiatives. The company positions avatar technology as a bridge to more immersive social experiences, where digital representations enable friends and contacts to interact in ways that mirror real-world communication while leveraging the benefits of online presence and identity in a connected ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the exploratory work on these features continues, with ongoing testing by former WhatsApp developers contributing to the refinement process. The overall push reflects a broader trend in messaging apps toward more personalized avatars and richer visual communication, aligning with user expectations for expressive, lightweight, and memorable ways to convey tone and personality within chat environments.