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WhatsApp is testing a new interface that puts "Status" at the forefront.
WhatsApp appears to be taking an additional step towards the world of social networking, with testing a new design that could make "status" updates more prominent than ever within the app.
According to a report published by WABetaInfo, the beta version of WhatsApp beta 2.26.6.9 on Android displays the latest status updates from contacts at the top of the "Chats" tab, instead of just displaying them in the "Updates" tab.
The new cases appear as profile pictures of people who have recently posted updates, according to a report published by the "phonearena" website and reviewed by "Al Arabiya Business".
The new feature does not display all statuses randomly, but focuses on contacts that the user interacts with frequently, provided that they have posted a new status.
Although the "Updates" tab is still present in the bottom bar, having statuses at the top of the chats page may significantly change how the app is used.
The mute settings are still in effect; if you mute a particular person's statuses, their updates will not appear in the new top bar.
So far, the change has only been spotted in the Android beta version, with no confirmation regarding its arrival on iPhones.
A gradual shift towards a social character
The move reflects Meta’s growing tendency to transform WhatsApp from a simple messaging app into a platform closer to social media, especially with the continued popularity of the “stories” feature across various apps.Although WhatsApp does not display traditional ads within chats, highlighting statuses in this way may open the door to future revenue opportunities, as is the case in other applications belonging to the company.
On the other hand, some users believe that WhatsApp's strength lies in its simplicity, and that introducing additional social features may distance it from its primary function as a direct and fast messaging application.
As of now, the change is still in the testing phase, which means that its final form or even the possibility of it being completely cancelled remains open before the official launch.
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