WhatsApp Rolls Out iOS Update Introducing New Features

WhatsApp is rolling out an update on iOS that introduces several new features, including Status Search, Notification Extension, and Suspicious Link detection.

First spotted by WABetaInfo this week, the changelog for the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS – version 2.18.90 – describes several new features that have now been rolled out. The update is only compatible for devices running iOS 8.0 and later so iPhone 4 and devices on iOS 7 will not be supported. Still, users who are on iOS 7 will only be able to use WhatsApp until February 1, 2020.

The first feature – Status Search – which happens to be available on Android already, allows users to search for contacts in the Status tab. This may be useful if someone wants to see the Status update of a specific person straight away.

Image credit: WABetaInfo

WhatsApp users can now search for contacts through Status updates.

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The Notification Extension feature allows users to view images and GIFs directly from within their notification panel. Swiping left on a notification containing an image or GIF, using 3D touch on it, and tapping “View” allows users to view a preview of the image in question directly.

Image credit: WABetaInfo

The Suspicious Link Detection feature, while not mentioned in the changelog is currently live on iOS devices. Users can find out more about the feature on WhatsApp’s relevant FAQ page. The feature is meant to protect users from malicious fake links. The app automatically checks links to determine if they are suspicious and notifies users when such a case arises.