# WhatsApp Moves Channels to Chats Tab

> WhatsApp will integrate channels directly into the Chats tab on iOS and Android, removing the Updates tab.
- Title: WhatsApp Moves Channels to Chats Tab · WABetaInfo | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: whatsapp, channels, chats tab, updates tab, contacts tab, ios, android, technology, apps, Moves, Chats, Tab
- Source: WABetaInfo — https://wabetainfo.com/whatsapp-will-move-channels-to-the-chats-tab
- Author: WABetaInfo
- Published: 2026-10-03T23:00:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: whatsapp, channels, chats tab, updates tab, contacts tab, ios, android, technology, apps
## 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.
## Key takeaway

WhatsApp will move channels to the Chats tab in future updates, eliminating the Updates tab and introducing the Contacts tab.