WhatsApp Testing New Status Shortcut in Chats Tab to Boost Visibility and Speed

Popular messaging platform WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new feature that could change how users view status updates. The upcoming update aims to display recent statuses directly at the top of the Chats tab, allowing users to see updates instantly without switching sections. The feature is currently in development and may roll out in a future release once testing is complete.

According to a report from WABetaInfo, the feature was first spotted in a beta build for Android version 2.26.6.9, indicating that early testing is already underway. While the company has not officially announced a public release date, early previews suggest it could significantly streamline how people interact with status updates.

What the New Feature Will Do

The update introduces a redesigned interface where status updates appear prominently at the top center of the app’s main screen. Instead of navigating to a separate tab, users will be able to identify new statuses directly from the Chats section.

Here’s how it will work:

• Profile photos of contacts who recently posted a status will appear in a top bar.

• Only contacts the user interacts with frequently will be prioritized.

• Tapping a profile image will open that person’s latest status instantly.

This design eliminates the need to scroll through the entire chat list or manually check profiles to see whether someone has posted a new update. By bringing statuses into the primary interface, the app is aiming to make content discovery faster and more intuitive.

Additional Viewing Method Inside Chats

Reports suggest the update may also introduce a secondary way to browse statuses. When users scroll down within the Chats tab, a dedicated horizontal row could appear displaying status updates from contacts.

This row would function similarly to the existing Status tab layout:

• Users can swipe left or right to view multiple updates.

• Each status preview appears in a carousel-style strip.

• Only relevant and recent posts are shown.

The goal is to replicate the familiar browsing experience while removing the need to switch tabs. Essentially, the messaging platform is trying to merge communication and status viewing into one seamless interface.

Why the Change Matters

Currently, checking someone’s status often requires navigating away from the chat list or tapping into individual profiles. This extra step can discourage users from viewing updates, especially if they are in a hurry or focused on conversations.

By placing status updates in a more visible position, the company hopes to:

• Increase engagement with status posts

• Reduce navigation steps

• Improve user convenience

• Highlight updates from frequently contacted people

This move reflects a broader trend among messaging apps to surface content proactively rather than requiring users to search for it.

Privacy Settings Remain Intact

Despite the new visibility options, privacy controls will remain unchanged. Contacts that users have muted or hidden in the Updates section will not appear in the new top bar. This ensures that personal preferences continue to apply even with the redesigned layout.

Maintaining existing privacy settings is a key part of the feature’s design. It indicates that while the platform is experimenting with interface changes, it does not intend to alter how users control who can view or share their content.

Development Status and Release Timeline

The feature is still in an early development phase, meaning it may undergo adjustments before public release. The company is reportedly refining how statuses are arranged and displayed so that the interface remains uncluttered and easy to use.

As with most experimental tools, the update will likely roll out gradually after testing is complete. Beta users typically receive such features first, followed by a phased release to the wider global audience.

The Bigger Picture

This test signals the platform’s ongoing effort to evolve beyond simple messaging. By integrating status updates more deeply into the main interface, the company is trying to create a more dynamic and engaging user experience. If launched successfully, the feature could redefine how millions of users interact with both chats and shared updates daily.

For now, users will have to wait until testing concludes to see whether this redesigned status visibility becomes a permanent addition. But early signs suggest it could be one of the most noticeable interface changes in upcoming versions.