From WABetaInfo · WABetaInfo · · 1m 40s
WhatsApp Moves Channels to Chats Tab
WhatsApp will integrate channels directly into the Chats tab on iOS and Android, removing the Updates tab.
In brief
WhatsApp will integrate channels directly into the Chats tab on iOS and Android, removing the Updates tab. WhatsApp will move channels to the Chats tab in future updates, eliminating the Updates tab and introducing the Contacts tab. Originally reported by WABetaInfo.
WhatsApp moves channels to Chats tab
WhatsApp plans to integrate channels directly into the chat list on iOS and Android.
Updates tab disappears after move
Once WhatsApp moves channels to the Chats tab, the Updates tab will disappear.
Contacts tab introduced next
WhatsApp can then introduce the Contacts tab, a new section where users can see who is currently active.
Channels in Chats tab on Android
With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.39.1 update, users who follow channels see a prompt to decide where they see them.
Three channel configurations tested
WhatsApp is testing three different configurations to show channels in the Chats tab, deciding which to roll out publicly.
Channels in Chats tab on iOS
WhatsApp is working on bringing channels to the Chats tab on iOS, testing the same three configurations as Android.
Updates tab replaced by Contacts tab
Once WhatsApp moves channels to the Chats tab, it will replace the Updates tab with the Contacts tab.
Channel Status feature expanding
WhatsApp is expanding status updates to more channels and users on Android and iOS, allowing admins to share temporary photo and video updates.
Restricted Chat feature rolling out
WhatsApp is rolling out the Restricted Chat feature to a limited number of beta testers on iOS and Android.
The main idea
WhatsApp will move channels to the Chats tab in future updates, eliminating the Updates tab and introducing the Contacts tab.
