WhatsApp tests new group greetings and chat customization features

WhatsApp is testing several new features across its Android and iOS beta versions to enhance user customization and communication efficiency.

New group functionality includes an optional automated greeting feature. Group administrators can set a single text that is sent automatically to new members. To avoid cluttering group chats, these messages are labeled as ‘Automated greeting’ and are visible only to the new participant rather than the entire chat.

Visual customization is also expanding with new chat themes categorized into ‘Featured’, ‘Doodle’, and ‘Minimal’. The ‘Featured’ category introduces slow-moving animated wallpapers designed to provide dynamic backgrounds without distracting from conversations. The ‘Minimal’ category offers simple dark and light designs, while ‘Doodle’ provides refreshed versions of classic patterns.

Additional interface updates include media previews in the chat list for Android users, allowing them to see thumbnails for photos, videos, and stickers before opening a conversation. For iOS users, new notifications for pinned messages are being tested. Furthermore, developers are working on customizable emoji reaction panels for certain user tiers.