WhatsApp is testing a set of new experimental features in its latest beta release for iOS, aiming to provide users with greater transparency and more powerful tools to manage their conversations and device storage. The update, identified as version 25.37.10.71, brings significant changes reported by trusted sources like WABetaInfo and 9to5Mac.
See Your Connected Devices, Starting with Apple Watch
The most notable addition in this beta is a new layer of visibility for connected peripherals. Users can now see which devices are actively synced with their WhatsApp account directly within the app's Linked Devices section. Currently, the Apple Watch app is the first peripheral to be supported under this new system.
Unlike phones or computers that require manual linking via a QR code, these peripherals connect automatically in the background. The feature displays helpful details such as the device name and the last time it was active. To disconnect such a device, a user must uninstall the corresponding app from the peripheral. This move is designed to give Indian users more control and clarity over their account's security and active sessions.
Enhanced Chat and Storage Management Tools
Alongside device transparency, WhatsApp is refining its core user experience with improved management utilities. The update makes it simpler to archive, mute, and organize individual and group chats. Furthermore, WhatsApp is providing a much clearer breakdown of storage usage within the app.
Users will be able to see a detailed analysis of how much phone storage is consumed by different types of data, including media files, documents, and other large files. This granular view is intended to help users, especially those who heavily rely on WhatsApp for communication and media sharing, to easily identify and delete unwanted content to free up space.
What This Means for Users
These updates are part of WhatsApp's broader strategy to strengthen its multi-device ecosystem and hand more control to the user. As wearables like the Apple Watch become more integrated into daily communication, knowing exactly what is connected to your messaging account becomes crucial for privacy.
Simultaneously, the upgraded chat and storage management features address long-standing requests from the user community. For a country like India, where WhatsApp is a primary communication tool for millions, these enhancements can lead to a more efficient and clutter-free messaging experience. The features are currently in the testing phase in the iOS beta and are expected to roll out to all users in a future stable update.
