WhatsApp Developing ‘Cover Photo’ Feature for Personal Profiles on iOS Platform; Check Details
Reports suggest that WhatsApp is developing a cover photo feature for personal profiles on iOS, as spotted in the latest beta update. Previously limited to business accounts, this customisation option will allow users to set a background banner. Currently under development, the feature aims to enhance visual identity alongside the upcoming username functionality.
Mumbai, January 10: WhatsApp has reportedly started developing a new feature that will allow users to set cover photos for their personal profiles on iOS. This new feature by Meta-owned instant messaging platform, which has long been exclusive to WhatsApp Business accounts, is now being adapted for standard users to provide a more personalised and visually engaging profile experience. The update was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.1.10.71 version available through the TestFlight program.
The introduction of cover photos is part of Meta’s broader strategy to enhance user identity and expression within the messaging app. By allowing a banner image at the top of the profile, WhatsApp aims to give users more creative freedom beyond the traditional circular profile picture. Although the feature has been identified in the code of the latest beta build, it is currently in the early stages of creation and is not yet visible to all testers. WhatsApp Testing ‘Primary Controls for Parents’ and ‘Group Chat History Sharing’ Features.
WhatsApp Profile Cover Photo Under Development
The "Cover Photo" feature is officially listed as "under development," meaning it is not yet ready for a public rollout or even wide-scale beta testing. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the interface will include a dedicated section within the profile settings where users can upload or change their background banner. This visual element will sit behind the profile photo, similar to the layout found on other social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Once fully developed, the cover photo will be visible to contacts when they open a user's chat or view their profile details. This addition is expected to complement the upcoming "Usernames" feature, which is also reportedly in the works. Together, these updates suggest a significant shift in how WhatsApp profiles are presented, moving towards a more comprehensive digital identity.
WhatsApp to Bring Enhanced Customisation for iOS Users
The technical integration for the "cover photo" feature is being refined to ensure it fits seamlessly with the existing iOS design language. Users will be able to select images from their photo library and reposition them to fit the banner dimensions. While the WhatsApp feature is currently being tested for iOS, a similar update is expected to follow for Android users to maintain platform parity. WhatsApp Missed Call Messages, Status Stickers and Channel Questions Features Launched; Check Details.
As the feature is still under development, there is no confirmed timeline for when it will be released to the general public. WhatsApp typically spends several weeks or months fine-tuning such visual updates in the beta stage to ensure stability. For now, users are advised to keep their applications updated to the latest version to receive new features as they are officially pushed to the stable channel.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2026 08:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).