WhatsApp tests editable messages and expressive reactions for faster, clearer chats
WhatsApp is piloting a feature that would allow users to modify text after sending. The aim is to cut down on the need to delete and rewrite messages, offering a smoother way to correct typos or clarify intent without leaving the conversation. In practice, the edit option would appear as a submenu attached to the message in question, alongside familiar actions like information and copy, with the new editing capability sitting alongside them.
Initial discussions around a dedicated media feature from WABetaInfo have underscored ongoing experimentation rather than a guaranteed global rollout. The reporting highlights that WhatsApp has explored similar ideas before, and while anticipation builds, timing and platform availability remain fluid as testing continues. The core message from insiders is that the feature is still in development and subject to change as teams observe how it behaves across devices and user environments.
Questions about the duration an edit stays available after sending are still open. Early indications suggest there may not be a visible edit history for other users, and WhatsApp could adjust that choice before wider release. The evolving plan indicates a careful approach to how edits are surfaced and stored, ensuring user experience remains smooth while protecting chat integrity.
The editing capability is expected to reach iOS first, with Android beta channels and other testing tracks keeping pace. This multi platform rollout strategy aligns with WhatsApp’s broader approach of refining features across devices to deliver consistent performance and a positive user experience before a broad launch.
Reactions get more expressive
Along with editing, WhatsApp is exploring new ways to express reactions. The aim is to introduce skin tone options for message reactions, with early signals pointing to a rollout on Android beta version 2.22.13.4. The update would let users tailor how they respond to messages, aligning reactions with personal identity and style in daily chats.
In the current stage, skin toned reactions focus on common gestures such as a thumbs up and the two hands pressed together in a prayer-like gesture. The enhancement is designed to feel natural in everyday conversations and give users more control over how responses are communicated.
Industry observers describe these changes as part of a broader push to keep messaging both efficient and expressive. As testing proceeds, there is emphasis on predictable behavior across devices and robust support for multilingual users in North American markets. The ongoing experimentation is framed as a way to balance new capabilities with clarity and reliability for a diverse user base. (via WABetaInfo)