WhatsApp Beta Update: Meta-Owned Platform Rolls Out Username Feature and Multi-Account Support
WhatsApp is rolling out a username feature to hide phone numbers and multi-account support for business users. Other updates include a Liquid Glass design for Mac, potential proprietary cloud storage for iOS backups, and new shortcuts for microphone modes and voice message recording widgets.
WhatsApp has commenced the rollout of several significant updates across its platforms, including a highly anticipated username feature and expanded multi-account support for business users. These changes aim to enhance privacy and operational flexibility for its global user base, marking a notable evolution in how the messaging service manages identity and account accessibility.
WhatsApp Full Username Feature and Enhanced Privacy
A limited group of users can now communicate using full usernames, allowing them to interact with new contacts without immediately revealing their phone numbers. As per a report by WABetaInfo, while this feature adds a layer of anonymity, phone numbers remain a requirement for initial account registration. To protect users from unwanted contact, WhatsApp has introduced a "username key," a mandatory barrier that must be shared alongside a username to initiate a conversation with someone for the first time. iPhone 18 Series to Feature Variable Aperture and Foldable Model.
WhatsApp Multi-Account Functionality for Business
WhatsApp Business is now extending multi-account support, enabling business owners to manage two distinct accounts on a single device. As per the report users can verify if this feature is active by checking for a "+" button adjacent to their profile name in the settings menu. This update facilitates easier management of separate business profiles, allowing users to switch between accounts seamlessly via the overflow menu in the Chats tab. Facebook Down: Desktop Users Hit by 'Account Temporarily Unavailable' Error.
Interface Upgrades and Future Developments
Beyond identity management, WhatsApp is updating its Mac application with a new "Liquid Glass" design language, aligning the desktop experience with recent Apple design standards. Furthermore, the company is testing new cloud backup solutions for iOS that may offer 2 GB of free storage, alongside potential paid tiers for increased capacity. Additional features currently in development include a dedicated mic mode shortcut for iOS calls and a home screen widget designed to streamline the recording and sharing of voice messages to multiple contacts simultaneously.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 19, 2026 06:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
