WhatsApp is bringing an app sidebar and status reply

Meta Platforms-owned instant messaging app WhatsApp keeps bringing new features to improve the users’ experience. The app is reportedly working on a new feature for Windows Beta that will let users send status replies as well as an app sidebar. The new development has been reported by WhatsApp development tracker Wabetainfo. The report says WhatsApp is releasing this feature to the most recent 2.2240.1.0 update that has already been issued last week to some beta testers. However, the users will still not be able to create a new status update.

The report reads, “WhatsApp is bringing this feature to the most recent 2.2240.1.0 update that was released last week to some beta testers.” It further says, “this isn’t the only new feature available in the newest update. In fact, a lot of users noticed that a new app sidebar showed up after installing the update from the Microsoft Store and it is very similar to the one we see in the Mac Catalyst app.” With this new app sidebar, users will be able to reach status updates, settings, and their profile.

WaBetaInfo has also shared a screengrab of the upcoming feature that shows the same. The screenshot is taken from WhatsApp Windows beta, but the feature is expected to roll out to WhatsApp Windows beta.

Last month, WhatsApp also released two important features for WhatsApp beta for Windows- the ability to react to messages by using any emoji, that is already available on WhatsApp for Android, iOS, and Desktop and the other one is view status updates.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp has recently rolled out admin delete and status updates within the chat list to more beta testers. This will let users view the status updates right within the chat list.

That’s not all, WhatsApp is also planning to bring iMessage-like profile photos within group chats. Once the feature will be released to beta testers, profile photos of other group participants will show up next to all incoming messages within the group chat.