WhatsApp to Allow Status Updates in Group Chats Soon

WhatsApp is working on a new feature aimed at improving group interactions. After adding the ability to mention groups in status updates last year, the platform is now developing a tool that lets users “create statuses directly within group chats.”

Spotted in Android and iOS Betas

According to WABetaInfo, the feature was found in the Android beta version 2.25.20.6, and also in iOS beta version 25.19.10.76, indicating that it is being tested across both platforms.

How It Works

The new feature will allow users to add group-specific status updates through a new button in the group info screen. This “Add group status” button will let users:

• “Share group status posts as photos, videos, text, or music.”
• “Share content visible only to members of that specific group.”

• “Keep your status content end-to-end encrypted.”

To post a group status, users will:

• Open a group chat.
• Tap the group name to open the info screen.
• Click on “Add group status.”
• Select the media or message they want to share.

• Post it, and it will appear only to group members.

Better Privacy and Convenience

Previously, users could tag a group in their public status, which sent notifications to all members. But this approach still made statuses visible to all contacts. The new feature will “make it easier” to target only relevant group members, offering more privacy and better engagement.

Group statuses will be end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that even WhatsApp itself cannot view them. This will be especially useful for community groups and event-based chats, even if members don’t have each other’s contact numbers saved.

When Will It Launch?

Currently, the feature is still in development, with no official release to beta testers yet. However, since it has already been seen in beta versions for both Android and iOS, a limited rollout is expected soon.