WhatsApp is reportedly developing several new features that could enhance privacy, security, and convenience across its Android and iPhone apps. Recent beta updates have revealed tools such as scam alerts for unknown contacts, view-once text messages, a dedicated voice note widget, message scheduling support, and a possible Meta One subscription integration. While these features are still being tested, they offer a glimpse at some of the additions that could arrive on the platform in the coming months.
One of the most notable features spotted in development is a new Scam Alert system for Android. The feature is expected to work when users receive messages from unknown contacts. WhatsApp could analyse suspicious content locally on the device and display a warning before a user continues interacting with the sender. Because the analysis reportedly takes place on-device, the company may be able to introduce the feature without compromising its end-to-end encryption protections. If released, the tool could help users identify fraudulent messages before they respond or share sensitive information.
WhatsApp may soon make voice messaging more accessible on Android smartphones. A recent beta version reportedly includes references to a dedicated voice note widget that can be placed on the home screen. The shortcut is expected to launch WhatsApp’s voice recording interface directly, reducing the number of steps required to send an audio message. For users who rely heavily on voice notes instead of text messages, the widget could make day-to-day communication more convenient.
View-Once Text Messages
The messaging platform already supports view-once photos, videos, and voice notes, but text messages could be next. WhatsApp is reportedly testing a view-once text message feature for iPhone users that would allow messages to disappear after the recipient opens them. Early findings suggest recipients may be prevented from forwarding, copying, or saving these messages. If introduced, the feature could expand WhatsApp’s privacy-focused toolkit beyond media sharing and into text-based conversations.
Scheduled Messages
Scheduling messages has long been one of the most requested features on WhatsApp. The company is now said to be testing native support for scheduling messages on iPhone. The feature would reportedly allow users to select a date and time before sending a message, which WhatsApp would then deliver automatically. Such a tool could prove useful for reminders, birthday wishes, business communications, and conversations involving people in different time zones.
WhatsApp may soon become part of a broader Meta subscription offering. References discovered in a recent Android beta version of the app suggest Meta is developing a Meta One plan that could bundle premium benefits across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook under a single subscription. Although the company has not revealed the final feature set, the plan could simplify access to paid services across Meta’s apps. If introduced, users may no longer need separate subscriptions for premium features offered on individual platforms.
