WhatsApp has been testing a new privacy feature that will allow users to share status updates with a selective audience. The update was spotted in the iOS 25.23.10.80 beta recently, available via Apple’s TestFlight program, as the Meta-owned WhatsApp continues enhancing user control and privacy.
The upcoming feature introduces the ability to add a close friend list to privacy settings in WhatsApp. After configuration, the user has the option of sharing a status with their full audience or with their close friends. To make things clearer, statuses that are only shared with close friends will be in a different colour and can immediately be identified, just like on Instagram with its popular private story feature.
Managing the list will remain discreet, and the contacts will not be notified when they are added or removed. However, only the people on the list at the time of posting will see the update. If new friends are added later, the user has to delete and re-post the status so that they can access it. While this additional step ensures consistency, it also prevents unintended visibility.
The feature will provide users more control and personalisation, and separate everyday updates from those meant for a smaller, more trusted audience. This aligns with WhatsApp’s ongoing strategy to balance wide communication products and intimate sharing features.
Alongside this, WhatsApp recently rolled out another status-related feature with its iOS 25.22.83 beta release, a My Status shortcut in the iOS share sheet. Users can still use text, drawings, or emojis to edit their posts before posting.
