WhatsApp tests a timer for status messages in beta builds
WhatsApp developers are exploring a feature that lets users set a countdown for their status text. The discovery came from the beta testing community, with reports catalogued by WABetaInfo. In the Russian version of the app, status labels appear under the banner “Information” according to early observations.
The indicator was found in a beta iOS build, version 23.24.10.73, which is accessible to testers via the TestFlight service. In this version, users can configure a timer that automatically removes profile information after a chosen interval. The available durations include one day, three days, one week, or two weeks. When the timer expires, the standard greeting, such as “Hello everyone!” or the status line that reads “I’m using WhatsApp” will disappear from the profile.
Practically speaking, the timer option could be handy for moments when someone wishes to present a temporary status, such as indicating a vacation or a short project deadline. By selecting a timer, users may reduce interruptions from colleagues and other contacts who might otherwise try to reach them while the status is meant to be temporary.
At the moment, the information shown in a status is stored permanently unless the user deletes or edits it manually. With timers in place, it appears that there will be no option to retain a permanent status once a timed message is set, as the function prioritizes automatic removal after the chosen interval.
The feature is currently exclusive to the beta version of WhatsApp. There has been no official statement about when this functionality will roll out to all users, and a general release date has not been announced.
The topic of application design and user experience receives attention from various platforms as new features emerge. In other related news, the first Google Play editors’ choice awards highlighted notable apps for 2023, underscoring ongoing efforts to recognize standout software across ecosystems. This broader context reflects ongoing experimentation with ephemeral content and time-bound updates in popular messaging and social apps, signaling potential shifts in how users manage online presence and availability.