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WhatsApp Tests Multiple Account Support in iPhone Beta

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WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows iPhone users to manage two separate accounts within the same app, according to WABetaInfo.

Whatsapp Feature
As found in the latest TestFlight beta on iOS, the feature introduces a new "Account List" section in the settings menu, where users can add a second account without needing to go near WhatsApp Business or attempt any sort of workaround.

The beta currently supports up to two accounts, which can be newly created numbers, existing accounts from WhatsApp Business or other devices, or companion accounts linked via QR code scanning. Each account maintains separate chat histories, backup configurations, notification settings, and privacy preferences.

To switch between accounts, users can access the Account List section, press and hold the Settings tab for quick selection, or double-tap the Settings tab to automatically switch to the next account. When notifications arrive, WhatsApp displays both the sender's name and which account received the message to avoid confusion.

whatsapp multiple accounts
The feature is compatible with App Lock, which requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode when switching to protected accounts. WhatsApp hasn't said when the multiple accounts feature will go live for the general public, but the testing stage suggests we won't have to wait too long.

Tag: WhatsApp

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Top Rated Comments

tomtad Avatar
tomtad
11 months ago
And iMessage continues its nosedive into oblivion.

It could have been the worlds leading messaging platform if only they'd made an Android app years ago, and this was being pushed internally by Shiller I think.

Oh well.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
WarmWinterHat
11 months ago

And iMessage continues its nosedive into oblivion.

It could have been the worlds leading messaging platform if only they'd made an Android app years ago, and this was being pushed internally by Shiller I think.

Oh well.
They should have opened it. I'm in the US and I barely use it as my family and friends are split pretty 50/50 between Apple and Android. Wife is fully Android, daughter just uses Snap Chat, and her and her friends think that the default messaging app (including iMessage) is for old people. 🤷🏻‍♂️

I still think about this often, where Steve said FaceTime would be an open standard. Same deal:



Attachment Image
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
T
theadz01
11 months ago
I have two numbers on my iPhone, so for me, this feature can not come fast enough
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
WarmWinterHat
11 months ago

SMS sends in plain text, and RCS will eventually be end to end encrypted between Apple and Android.
I can't remember the last time I sent an email for photos.
Maybe.. As I said earlier, our 15 year old and her friends HATE regular SMS/RCS/iMessage texting, and say it's only for old people.. Is it? I don't know, but they only use it reluctantly.

My relatives in Europe (Germany, mainly) do not use SMS or iMessage and RCS isn't available. My sister is Canada still uses iMessage with me and my brother, and that was her primary way to message, but has been switching to WhatsApp as most of her friends coworkers and in-laws have been doing.

I just don't see a lot of headwinds for iMessage.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr. Heckles Avatar
Mr. Heckles
11 months ago

I am not sure this would be a commonly used feature.

Instead of focusing on a niche option like this, why not prioritise simpler features such as scheduled send?

Although I suppose having two accounts means more data to collect that can be sold by Zuck.
I have 2 phone numbers on 1 phone, and I know I am not the only one.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Populus Avatar
Populus
11 months ago

And iMessage continues its nosedive into oblivion.

It could have been the worlds leading messaging platform if only they'd made an Android app years ago, and this was being pushed internally by Shiller I think.

Oh well.
Yeah, that’s a clever strategy that could have allowed them to eat most of the market. And being an iOS native app, it could have incentivized people to get an iPhone as their next device.

Instead, they chose to keep the messaging system“exclusive” for their customers, which may work if there’s a high iPhone implementation on the market (such as the US), but isn’t ideal if most people is an Android user…

I’m afraid the market is mature enough so we could see any change at this point, even if they made it available on Android. And on the current scenario, Meta’s WhatsApp plays a big role, unfortunately.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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