WhatsApp secretly plotting update to let you message users without a phone number as surprising new system revealed
WHATSAPP is quietly planning a major overhaul of its app that could result in people texting you without knowing your number.
To that end, the Meta-owned messaging app is developing the ability to set up unique usernames, according to leaker site WABetaInfo.
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It would be a big step for WhatsApp and is reportedly touted as a way for users to gain an extra layer of privacy.
“Rather than relying solely on phone numbers to identify contacts, users can opt for a unique and memorable username,” WABetaInfo wrote in its report.
However, this does not necessarily mean that users need to create a password to log in.
The new feature is not yet available to the 2 billion WhatsApp users.
Instead, it is tested in a beta program for Android 2.23.11.15.
Observant beta testers have noticed that the new feature may soon appear on your profile.
As part of the trial, users have the option to choose their own username.
Similar to phone numbers, these usernames must be unique and not associated with your actual identity.
It may be helpful for users to communicate privately with companies, the report added.
This comes as WhatsApp welcomes more business services to the app.
Businesses are increasingly using the messaging app as their own channel for customer support.
“Only time will give us more answers, but we are confident that they will revolutionize the way we communicate on WhatsApp in the future,” said WABetaInfo beta testers.
WhatsApp has yet to officially confirm the move, but users of the app have already taken to social media to say they are fans of the decision.
“User name!! It’s finally in the works!!” one user wrote on Twitter.
Another said: “Users have been asking for this feature for years.”
WhatsApp declined to comment.
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