WhatsApp Is Getting New Features: Schedule Events in Private Chats, Post Interactive Status Updates, and More

WhatsApp is working on a series of updates that could make it a lot more useful for planning events, managing reminders, and sharing content in a more interactive way.

The latest beta versions, as reported by WABetaInfo, show that event scheduling is coming to private chats, View Once media will soon be available on linked devices, and status updates are getting a creative boost with sticker photos.

Scheduling Events in Private Chats

For a while now, WhatsApp has allowed users to create events and reminders within group chats, making it easier for teams and communities to coordinate. Now, the latest beta version introduces this feature to one-on-one conversations, meaning you'll soon be able to schedule personal meetings, deadlines, and even casual hangouts without leaving the chat window.

According to WABetaInfo, this feature lets users attach event details like locations, video call links, or reminders to messages. So if you're making plans with a friend or setting a work deadline with a colleague, you can set an event directly in the chat, and both participants will receive reminders.

This move seems well-timed, especially with reports that Apple is developing a new event invitation app for iPhone and iPad. While Apple's tool is expected to work as a standalone app, WhatsApp's approach integrates event scheduling directly into chats, keeping everything in one place.

View Once Media Finally Works on Linked Devices

One of WhatsApp's biggest limitations is that View Once photos, videos, and voice messages can only be opened on the primary device. This has been frustrating for users who frequently switch between their phone, tablet, or desktop.

Now, WABetaInfo has spotted that WhatsApp is finally allowing some beta testers to view self-destructing media on linked devices. While it's unclear why this feature wasn't available earlier, the update is expected to be widely rolled out over the next few weeks on Android and iOS.

There are still some things you can't do on linked devices, such as viewing someone's live location or managing broadcast lists. But WhatsApp's decision to remove mentions of View Once media restrictions from its support pages suggests that this feature is nearing a full rollout.

More Interactive Status Updates With Sticker Photos

WhatsApp has been trying to make its status feature more engaging, and the latest update takes inspiration from Instagram Stories. A new sticker photo feature-spotted in beta-will allow users to overlay multiple images onto a single status update using a content sticker.

Instead of posting separate status updates, users will be able to resize, reposition, and format sticker-like images over their videos or photos. These stickers will also be available in different shapes, including square, circular, and star formats, giving people more creative freedom.

According to WABetaInfo, this feature is still under development and will be released in a future update. By adding more content-driven tools, WhatsApp seems to be making its status updates more interactive, possibly to compete with Instagram Stories and Snapchat.

When Will These Features Be Available?

As with all beta features, there's no official timeline for when these updates will roll out to everyone. For those who want to try these features early, WhatsApp beta is available through the Google Play Store and TestFlight for iOS, though access is limited.