WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world (with over 2 billion users), even so, one of the drawbacks of using the app is that you have to share your phone number with anyone you want to chat with — yup, even if you use the QR code option.
This can definitely be a privacy concern for some users, especially if they want to communicate with strangers or businesses without having to reveal their personal info, and that’s why WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow users to create unique usernames for their accounts, according to WABetaInfo.
The new WhatsApp feature will allow users to create unique usernames for their accounts allowing them to talk to people or businesses without having to share their personal numbers. (Image: “Apps de mensajería para iOS: Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Messages” by microsiervos)
Usernames are already available on other messaging apps like Telegram, which lets users hide their phone numbers and contact each other by typing their usernames. WhatsApp may follow a similar approach, allowing users to choose their own usernames and reach out to others without sharing their phone numbers.
The feature is still in development and has not been officially announced by WhatsApp yet — so it’s unclear how it will work exactly. It may be limited to certain types of accounts, such as businesses or verified users, or it may be available for everyone. It may also have some restrictions on how often users can change their usernames or how many characters they can use.
WhatsApp has been introducing many new features lately, such as the ability to edit sent messages, lock chats with biometric authentication, and use the same account on multiple devices. However, some users are still waiting for an iPad app, which has been rumored for a long time but has not been released yet.