WhatsApp revamps “Info” Feature, Shifting Status Updates to Active Dialog
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WhatsApp is introducing a significant overhaul to its “Info” feature, moving beyond simple “online” indicators to a more dynamic system of text-based availability updates designed to spark conversation. The update, rolling out gradually since November 20, 2025, aims to address user frustration with persistent, outdated “Be there” messages and foster more spontaneous interaction.
The new system allows users to set updates for varying durations, moving away from the previous practice of long-lasting, often irrelevant status messages. Options include:
* Short Term: 1 or 8 hours (suited for meetings or commutes)
* Medium Term: 24 hours (default setting)
* Long Term: 3 days, 1 week, or custom periods up to a month.
enhanced Privacy Controls for Targeted Sharing
A key betterment lies in granular privacy settings. Users can now specify who sees their updates – all contacts, a selected group of individuals, or everyone except specific contacts. This allows for tailored communication; such as, sharing a “Busy” status with work colleagues while providing more personal updates to close friends.
Beta testing revealed that expired updates are archived privately, allowing users to repost or reference them later – a feature differentiating WhatsApp from competitors with purely ephemeral status options.
From Passive Sharing to Active Engagement
The placement of these updates directly within the chat window is intended to fundamentally change how users interact. WhatsApp aims to transform passive status sharing into active communication prompts.
Contacts can now directly respond to info bubbles with a single tap, eliminating the need to navigate separate tabs. A simple update like “coffee break ☕” could instantly lead to a spontaneous meetup suggestion.This streamlined interaction is designed to lower the barrier to quick connections.
Industry analysts suggest this approach could combat messaging fatigue. Knowing a contact is “in a concentrated work phase” before sending a message allows for adjusted expectations and promotes social presence without intrusive tracking.
MetaS Unified status Strategy
The rollout, planned for both Android and iOS by the end of November 2025, aligns with Meta‘s broader platform strategy. The feature bears a striking resemblance to Instagram Notes, launched in late 2022, indicating a move towards standardizing the status experience across Meta’s applications while acknowledging their distinct purposes.
WhatsApp is clarifying the function of its status features:
- Status Tab: Will remain dedicated to photos, videos, and media-rich stories.
- New Info Feature: Will serve as the central hub for text-based availability updates.
This separation aims to reduce clutter and provide a clear purpose for each feature. The update positions WhatsApp technologically ahead of some domestic German messaging services like Telegram and Signal.
Future Developments on the Horizon
While the current rollout focuses on the core functionality – “What are you doing right now?” - insiders hint at potential future expansions. Developer versions have showcased automatic status updates based on location or calendar events,though these features are not yet active.
The new info feature is currently available in the latest WhatsApp version for Android and iOS, with a gradual rollout beginning November 20, 2025.
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