Sharing phone numbers will be obsolete thanks to WhatsApp usernames. (Photo courtesy of Express Photo)
WhatsApp is currently testing a new username feature that will allow users to chat with others without disclosing their phone numbers. Because users will not have to reveal their real phone number, the new Instagram-like feature will increase their privacy.
The new functionality was first spotted by WABetaInfo a few days ago on the beta version of WhatsApp for Android, and it appears that the Meta-owned company is now spreading it out to select beta users on iOS.
According to the publication's screenshot, the option to set a WhatsApp username can be found on the app's profile page. It appears that the username field will take a combination of alphanumeric and special characters. However, each username on the platform must be distinct.
Usernames can be changed in the settings area of the profile. (Image courtesy of WABetaInfo)
If someone initiates a chat with a person's username, the phone number associated with that account remains concealed unless the other person reveals it with them. According to the article, WhatsApp would allow both people and corporations to choose their own username. Conversations begun with usernames will be end-to-end encrypted, just like regular WhatsApp chats.
In addition, it appears that the developers are working on a new reply bar feature that would allow users to submit images, videos, and GIFs when viewing images or videos in a chat. WhatsApp is continuously launching new features, such as new Telegram-like Channels, an iPad native app, and UPI payments for business owners, to name a few.
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