WhatsApp is introducing four new features for group chats to users on Android and iOS platforms.
The messaging app is adding Group Status updates, permanent message pins, enhanced chat history sharing, and a filter for important messages. Group Status allows members to share updates with a specific group, where the content remains visible only to those chosen members. These status updates are programmed to disappear automatically after a period of 24 hours.
The messaging app is removing the previous time limits for pinned messages in group chats. Previously, users were restricted to pinning messages for 24 hours, seven days, or 30 days. Users can now keep important messages pinned permanently.
WhatsApp is expanding the Group Message History feature to permit the sharing of older messages after a person joins a group. WhatsApp said the shared messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption.
A new chat filter titled “Mentions and replies” will display unread group conversations where a user is mentioned or replied to directly. This filter also includes messages that contain the @all mention. The company is introducing these updates gradually starting 29 October.
