WhatsApp is quietly working on a new privacy-focused feature that lets users share status updates exclusively with a curated “close friends” list. Spotted in the latest iOS beta version 25.23.10.80 via TestFlight, the feature is still under development but signals a shift toward more personalised sharing—similar to Instagram’s “Close Friends” stories.

How Does It Work?

The update builds on recent improvements to WhatsApp’s status functionality, including the ability to post directly from other apps via the iOS share sheet. Now, users can expect even more control over who sees their updates. The upcoming feature will introduce a dedicated “close friends” list within the privacy settings, allowing users to choose between their default audience or a more intimate circle when posting.

Statuses shared with close friends will be visually distinct—marked with a different colour to signal exclusivity. Importantly, contacts won’t be notified when they’re added or removed from the list, preserving discretion and avoiding awkward social dynamics. Updates remain temporary (24 hours) and are protected with end-to-end encryption, ensuring only selected recipients can view them.

What to Expect

While the feature isn’t live yet, WhatsApp is laying the groundwork for more nuanced audience controls. Users will need to manually delete and repost a status if they want to update its visibility after changing their close friends list. This ensures clarity and prevents unintended access shifts.

The move reflects WhatsApp’s ongoing push to balance privacy with personalisation—giving users more ways to share authentically without compromising control. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.