WhatsApp Testing ‘Disappearing Status’ Feature on iOS After Android Beta Rollout

WhatsApp is reportedly working on the Disappearing Status feature for iOS. This feature will now give iPhone users the same feature that Android beta testers have already got. This feature was introduced in the latest WhatsApp beta version 25.23.10.78 for iOS on TestFlight, allowing users to set an expiration timer in the 'About' section of their profile, which causes the status to disappear automatically after the selected duration.

With this new feature, users will be able to easily personalize their profile updates, with preset timers ranging from 30 minutes to a week, as well as custom options that can last up to a month. Once the timer runs out, the status will automatically go away. This feature can be especially useful for short-term updates, such as being in a meeting, traveling, or taking a break, so that there is no need to worry about old information.

The new status format will appear on a user's profile page, in chats, in the chat info screen, and even in the chat header, where it will appear alternately with the last seen indicator. To make this easier, WhatsApp will reportedly also allow users to add emojis such as coffee cup breaks or suitcase travel.

According to the report, there will be no change in privacy controls. Users will be able to decide who can see their disappearing status with the existing privacy settings. Also, there will be an option to edit or delete updates before the timer runs out. However, when the time is over, the status will no longer be visible to contacts, but it will be saved in a private archive, which users will be able to access anytime. This feature is currently in beta testing and is expected to be rolled out to the public in the coming weeks.