There’s always something new happening with WhatsApp either in beta or on the stable versions of the app irrespective of the platform. Recently, the instant messaging app started testing a new bottom ribbon bar for the Android version of the app, similar to WhatsApp for iOS and now, it appears that Meta is planning to make it easier for users to manage contacts right from the app.
What’s new coming to WhatsApp
WABetaInfo, the website that tracks upcoming changes, beta features and more for WhatsApp, has revealed that the platform has started testing the ability to add and edit a contact without leaving the app.
Currently, WhatsApp does not offer any such feature. Users have to leave the app, open contacts to add to manage a contact on the devices. With the new feature that’s currently being tested, users will be able to add a new contact right from the WhatsApp app on Android, the feature has been there on the iOS version of the app for a while now.
According to the report, the feature is currently being tested for the Android version and select beta testers have already started seeing a new contact UI which includes all the basic field options that are usually a part of Contacts app on smartphones. Versions that currently have this new contacts feature are 2.23.8.2, 2.23.8.4, 2.23.8.5, and 2.23.8.6.
Do note that the feature is currently in beta and being tested with select beta testers. We expect the company to expand the feature soon to more beta testers and eventually to the stable version of the app.
How does the contacts feature work on Android
Currently, on Android, WhatsApp prompts users to open the phone’s default Contacts app to edit a saved contact or add a new contact. However, once the feature will go live, WhatsApp will offer a dedicated user interface for adding or editing a contact, somewhat similar to the iOS version.
As per the report, with the feature, users can simply tap on the Edit option from the ellipsis menu at the top right corner and edit a contact.