WhatsApp continues to evolve as one of the world’s leading messaging platforms, with over 2 billion users globally. Through its beta program, WhatsApp tests innovative features before they are released in the stable version, providing users with early access to cutting-edge tools while maintaining its commitment to privacy and security. Recent beta updates for Android, iOS, and Desktop, as reported by sources like WABetaInfo, showcase a range of exciting additions aimed at enhancing user experience. Below is a comprehensive summary of the latest WhatsApp beta updates as of June 2025, highlighting key features and their potential impact.
AI-Powered Message Summaries
One of the standout features in the WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.25.18.18) is the introduction of an AI-powered tool to summarize messages in chats and groups privately. Rolled out on June 10, 2025, via the Google Play Beta Program, this feature leverages Meta AI and Private Processing to generate concise overviews of unread messages. Users can enable Private Processing in the app settings. When a chat accumulates multiple unread messages, a dedicated button appears to trigger a summary. This request is processed securely without storing message data, ensuring end-to-end encryption is preserved. This feature is handy for busy group chats or channels, enabling users to quickly catch up without having to scroll through lengthy threads. It’s currently available to some beta testers, with a broader rollout expected soon.
Resharing and Forwarding Status Updates
WhatsApp is enhancing the flexibility of status updates with a new optional feature in the Android beta (version 2.25.18.9) and iOS beta (version 25.17.10.80). Users can now allow their status updates to be reshared or forwarded by contacts, expanding their reach beyond the original audience. A toggle, turned off by default to prioritize privacy, lets users control whether their content can be shared. When enabled, contacts can forward status updates, but the original author’s identity remains private to non-contacts. This feature, available to some beta testers, is ideal for sharing time-sensitive announcements or promotional content while maintaining WhatsApp’s privacy standards.
Profile Avatars and Group Photos
Personalization is a key focus in recent updates. The Android beta (version 2.25.18.14) introduces a feature that allows users to add avatars to their profiles, giving their accounts a visual identity. Similarly, the iOS beta (version 25.16.10.70) introduces AI-powered profile and group photo generation, allowing users to create custom images for their chats and groups. These features are available to select beta testers, enhancing the visual appeal of WhatsApp profiles and communities.
Enhanced Media Sharing Options
WhatsApp is improving media-sharing capabilities with several updates:
- Quality Selection for Downloads: In the Android beta (version 2.25.18.11), users can now select the quality of downloaded photos and videos, providing them with more control over data usage and storage. This is particularly useful for users on limited data plans or with low storage.
- Animated Media Sharing: The Android beta (version 2.25.18.5) introduces animations when sending photo and video messages, adding a dynamic flair to the sharing experience. The iOS beta (version 25.15.10.74) also includes animated effects for sending chat messages, enhancing the visual experience.
- Forwarding to Meta AI: Both Android (version 2.25.18.8) and iOS (version 25.17.10.78) betas allow users to forward messages and media to Meta AI for processing, such as generating responses or analyzing content, all while maintaining privacy through secure processing.
Chat Themes and Visual Customization
WhatsApp is giving users more ways to personalize their chats. The iOS beta (version 25.17.70) introduces 18 new color options for chat themes, allowing users to customize the look of their conversations. Additionally, posts on X indicate that Android beta users can set themes for specific conversations, choosing from 20 different colors to visually differentiate chats. These features enhance user engagement by making the interface more vibrant and tailored to individual preferences.
Threaded Conversations and Message Organization
To streamline communication in busy chats, WhatsApp is developing a threaded conversation feature in the Android beta (version 2.25.7.7). This organizes message replies into cohesive threads, making it easier to follow discussions in group chats or channels. By grouping replies under the original message, this feature reduces confusion and improves conversation flow, with a future rollout planned for individual chats, groups, and communities.
Polls with Images and Enhanced Link Previews
WhatsApp is making polls more engaging by allowing image attachments in poll options within Channels, as seen in the Android beta (version 2.25.1.17). This feature, expected to expand to groups and individual chats, provides visual cues to make voting more interactive. Additionally, the Android beta (version 2.25.1.13) introduces enhanced link previews with favicons, helping users quickly identify the source of shared links. These updates improve the functionality and visual appeal of WhatsApp’s interactive features.
Other Notable Features
- Draft Message Search: The Android beta (version 2.25.18.17) is introducing a feature that allows users to search for draft messages through a preset chat list, making it easier to locate unsent messages. This feature is still in development and is expected to be included in a future update.
- Message Copying: The Android beta (version 2.25.18.3) is developing a feature that allows users to select and copy specific parts of a chat message, offering more precise content sharing.
- Redesigned Interface: Posts on X highlight a redesigned interface for the status updates tray and a vertical list for recommended channels in the Android beta (version 2.24.12.20). The Windows beta app also features a refreshed interface with dedicated tabs for channels and communities, aligning with the modern look of WhatsApp Web.
Privacy and Security
WhatsApp’s beta updates emphasize privacy, with features like Private Processing ensuring that AI-driven tools, such as message summaries, do not compromise end-to-end encryption. Users can opt out of AI features via Advanced Chat Privacy settings. Resharing options are turned off by default to prioritize user control and discretion. These measures reflect WhatsApp’s commitment to secure, user-centric communication.
How to Access WhatsApp Beta
To try these features, users can join the WhatsApp beta program via the Google Play Beta Program for Android, TestFlight for iOS, or the Microsoft Store for Windows. However, beta access is limited and may involve technical issues, as beta versions are primarily intended for testing purposes. Users can stay updated through sources like WABetaInfo, which provides real-time news on WhatsApp beta developments.
Conclusion
The latest WhatsApp beta updates for 2025 showcase a blend of AI-driven innovation, enhanced customization, and improved usability, all while prioritizing privacy. From AI-powered message summaries to threaded conversations and visual enhancements like chat themes and animated media, WhatsApp is refining its platform to meet the needs of its massive user base. As these features roll out to more beta testers and eventually the stable version, they promise to make WhatsApp more intuitive, engaging, and versatile. Stay tuned for further updates as WhatsApp continues to push the boundaries of messaging technology.
