WhatsApp gets a major new feature. WhatsApp is rolling out significant updates to how users manage their chat lists, aiming to reduce clutte...
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| WhatsApp gets a major new feature. |
Smarter Chat List Controls
The most notable update focuses on giving users more control over their chat list display. In the latest iOS version (26.21.74), WhatsApp is introducing features that allow users to decide which chats appear on the main screen and which are tucked away in a separate filter menu . This change moves away from the current system where all chat lists—both default and custom—appear in a single horizontal row, which can quickly become overwhelming as more lists are added .
The redesign introduces a "More" option that opens a separate view where additional chat lists are stored. Users can choose which lists remain visible on the main screen and which stay in the secondary menu, offering greater personalization and reducing visual noise . This is particularly beneficial for people who manage multiple lists for personal, work, and group conversations .
New Filters
WhatsApp is expanding its preset filter options beyond the existing categories like Unread, Groups, and Favorites. According to reports, the platform is testing the addition of preset filters specifically for archived and locked chats . This means users will soon be able to quickly access these protected conversations without scrolling through their entire chat history.
Additionally, a new "Drafts" list is being introduced to address a common workflow issue: losing track of messages you've started but never sent. This feature bundles all unfinished draft messages in one central location, which is especially useful for longer messages and multi-thread communication .
A significant privacy update is also changing how messages from unknown numbers appear. With the new "Who can message me" setting, users can now choose to have messages from unsaved contacts moved to a "Requests" folder rather than appearing directly in the main chat list . This feature, similar to Instagram's request system, allows users to review, reply to, delete, report, or block messages from unknown numbers before they ever appear in the main inbox . This development builds on WhatsApp's broader privacy strategy, which includes new "Strict Account Settings" that lock privacy settings and block media from non-contacts .
AI Writing Help
Beyond chat list organization, WhatsApp is expanding its AI capabilities with an enhanced "Writing Help" feature. The AI-powered tool, which appears as a pencil icon in personal or group chats, can now draft AI-generated responses based on conversation context . The feature uses Private Processing technology to improve message formulation without allowing any third party to view content, maintaining WhatsApp's commitment to end-to-end encryption . Users can choose from various styles like professional, funny, or supportive to adjust the tone of their messages .
These updates represent a significant shift toward more organized, customizable communication. For professionals using WhatsApp as a business communication tool, the ability to quickly filter and access important conversations will be a notable productivity improvement . For everyday users, features like the Drafts list and AI writing assistance reduce friction in daily conversations.
The rollout of these features is gradual—the iOS chat list management features began rolling out June 3, 2026, through the App Store and TestFlight beta program . Android users have already seen similar approaches in beta versions, with unified settings for chat lists currently being tested .
As WhatsApp continues to refine its interface without changing core functionality, these updates show a clear effort to enhance user experience through better organization, improved privacy controls, and AI assistance—all while maintaining the simplicity that has made the platform a global standard for messaging.
