WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is working on a new feature that will let people share status updates with only a small group of selected friends. The feature is called “close friends’ status updates” and is currently being tested on iOS, with an official announcement expected soon.

Reports say users will be able to create a private list of chosen contacts in the app’s privacy settings. Once the list is set, they can post status updates that will only be visible to those close friends. These updates will look different from normal statuses, possibly with a unique colour or sign, and just like regular statuses, they will disappear after 24 hours.

This feature is similar to Instagram’s “Close Friends” stories, giving people more control over what they share and with whom. Right now, WhatsApp allows statuses to be shown to all contacts or hidden from certain ones, but this new option makes sharing more private and personal.

The release date is not confirmed yet, but the feature has been seen in WhatsApp beta version 25.23.10.80 for iOS. It is part of WhatsApp’s plan to stay ahead by adding features that focus on user needs.

In addition to this, WhatsApp is also testing a voicemail-style option. If someone doesn’t answer a call, the caller can leave a quick voice message directly from the call screen. This is available for some Android beta users in version 2.25.23.21. The new option makes follow-ups easier and improves communication.

WhatsApp has been steadily introducing new features to make the app more useful and convenient, and both of these updates are expected to be strong additions.

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