WhatsApp Begins Testing 'Favourites' Chat Filter on Latest Beta Version: How it Works

WhatsApp has commenced testing a 'Favourites' chat filter in its latest beta version. Here's how it works

WhatsApp for Android is reportedly developing a new feature that will enable users to add and filter their favorite chats for easier access. This feature is currently in development and is being rolled out to testers who have registered through the Google Play Beta Program. Once it becomes available in beta, these users will be able to see and test the feature. Additionally, WhatsApp is said to be testing unread messages and group filters that will display specific chats.

The new feature, spotted by feature tracker WABetaInfo, is included in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.12.7. It allows users to organize their favorite chats using a new filter. This feature is expected to be particularly useful for users who receive numerous messages from various contacts and struggle to locate their regular contacts. Although the chat pinning feature already exists, WhatsApp currently limits users to pinning a maximum of three chats.

WhatsApp is testing a new "Favourites" chat filter in its latest beta version. A screenshot shared by WABetaInfo shows four new filters at the top of the screen, just below the WhatsApp logo. These filters include All, Unread, Groups, and now, Favourites.

WhatsApp Favourites Chat Filter: How it Works

The description of the Favourites feature states, "Make it easy to find the people and groups that matter most across WhatsApp." Users can manually add contacts to this list using the "Add to Favourites" option at the bottom of the screen. Additionally, users can remove and reorder chats according to their preference.

This feature is being rolled out to beta testers through the Google Play Beta Program. While not all beta testers may see the feature immediately, it is expected to appear over the next few days.

WhatsApp has recently increased the maximum duration of voice messages in Status updates for beta testers. Previously, users could only upload 30-second-long voice messages, but the platform has now extended this limit to one minute. This change allows for longer, more detailed voice updates to be shared via Status.

WhatsApp has rolled out the increased voice message duration feature on both Android and iOS. In addition, the platform is reportedly working on an "Imagine" shortcut that will allow users to generate AI-powered images. This new feature is powered by Meta AI and is expected to enhance the multimedia capabilities of the app.