WhatsApp plans to add Status carousel in Chats tab

WhatsApp is testing a new design that will make its Status feature more visible inside the app.

According to beta updates, the Status section may soon move to the top of the Chats tab. Users will be able to pull down their chat list to see a row of Status updates. The first option will let users post their own Status, followed by updates from their contacts shown in a horizontal line.

This new design looks similar to the Stories feature seen on other social media apps. It will make short updates more noticeable while using chats.

At the same time, WhatsApp is also testing a new feature in some regions. Users may start seeing Status updates from people they recently talked to, even if those contacts are not saved in their phone. These updates will show a name or phone number, so users know who posted them.

This change could help small businesses and service providers, like delivery drivers or sellers, stay connected with customers. However, it may also bring some concerns about privacy and too many updates appearing in the app.

WhatsApp says users will still have control over who can see their Status. People can limit their audience, mute updates, or report unwanted content.

For now, these features are only available in testing (beta versions), and there is no official date for a global release. The parent company Meta is slowly testing new features, so a full launch may happen if the results are positive.