WhatsApp is still developing the next username feature.

As one of the leading messaging applications globally, the developers of WhatsApp must ensure that their application functions smoothly across various platforms, including Android, iOS, and desktop systems.

This necessitates maintaining consistency in feature updates so that all users can utilize the chat application as intended. Since May of the previous year, it has come to our attention that WhatsApp is developing a feature that allows users to set usernames within the app.

There was little information available until December when a beta version provided an initial glimpse of this capability. The WhatsApp development team is now progressing towards a broader implementation across all platforms, as username validation has been introduced in the WhatsApp Business beta for iOS through TestFlight.

This specific feature enhancement was identified by WABetaInfo, which diligently monitors Android and iOS beta versions for new features. The screenshot shared by the site illustrates how custom usernames will undergo validation, with the stipulation that only alphanumeric characters are permitted, specifically a-z and 0-9. Naturally, usernames must be unique, which may require users to experiment with different variations if their preferred choice is already in use. Although this validation interface has appeared in the WhatsApp Business application, it is anticipated that standard accounts will undergo a similar username registration process across all platforms.

Since the beta update in December, there has been limited advancement regarding WhatsApp usernames, particularly concerning the ability to search for other users by their usernames. It is noteworthy that usernames were also introduced in the WhatsApp iOS beta back in October, indicating that this feature has been long awaited. This addition is not unprecedented, as nearly all other major messaging applications already support usernames.

WhatsApp is introducing usernames to enhance user privacy by allowing individuals to keep their phone numbers confidential. At present, phone numbers are necessary for communication on the platform. While it is unlikely that WhatsApp will remove the phone number requirement for new accounts, the introduction of usernames provides a valuable option for users to share their contact information selectively with trusted contacts. Additionally, creating a unique and memorable username may prove to be more convenient than recalling a complete phone number.

According to WABetaInfo, this username feature is still under development, and there is no indication of when it will be widely available. It is anticipated that WhatsApp will take additional time to refine the feature for Android, iOS, and web/desktop applications. In parallel, WhatsApp is also exploring the possibility of allowing channel owners to associate a username with their accounts, thereby enhancing their visibility to followers. This feature was observed in a limited rollout on the WhatsApp beta for Android, but there has been little advancement since that initial phase.

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