The newest beta build of WhatsApp for iPhone introduces a security-focused enhancement aimed at safeguarding users’ IP addresses during calls. This capability was highlighted by the WABetaInfo reporting team as part of ongoing beta testing and observations in the iOS channel.
The enhancement surfaced specifically in the beta release noted as 23.20.1.73 for WhatsApp on iPhone, with parallel observations appearing in the Android beta stream under the same version designation.
With this improvement, users gain the ability to conceal their IP addresses while engaging in voice and video calls. Concealment of IP data helps reduce the risk that an unwelcome observer could infer a user’s approximate location or trace the connection back to a personal address, adding a layer of privacy during real-time communication.
Developers and testers also noted that the IP address protection capability is present in the Android beta as well, reinforcing that the feature is being validated across major mobile platforms before a broader rollout.
Activation of IP protection is accessible through the Privacy area within WhatsApp’s settings. This option is positioned to enhance safety, particularly for conversations with unknown contacts who might attempt malicious access or surveillance. Observers will also see that the new mechanism routes calls through WhatsApp servers, which creates a buffer between a user’s device and the outside network.
Because this routing approach relies on server intermediaries, there is a potential for slower performance or instability under heavy network load. Such trade-offs are common in early-stage privacy features that prioritize anonymity and masking of direct device-origin data during media streams and signaling.
At the moment, the IP concealment feature is available to a subset of beta testers on both Android and iOS platforms. The timeline for a universal, global release has not been disclosed, and users should stay tuned to official WhatsApp updates for any future expansion and refinements.
Historically, WhatsApp has experimented with privacy-oriented options that expand user control over data sharing and visibility. This latest development continues that trend by offering a practical safeguard for those who need stronger protection during calls, without requiring additional software or complex configuration. Users should weigh the benefit of improved anonymity against any potential minor changes in call routing behavior during beta periods, and assess how these changes align with their usual communication patterns.