WhatsApp is working on a new feature to improve user privacy by allowing iOS users to use a username instead of a phone number for conversations.
This feature, which was first tested on Android, is now being developed for iOS users.
WABetaInfo, a website that tracks WhatsApp updates, has reported that this feature appears in the latest iOS beta version “24.18.10.70.”
Future Availability and Security
Currently, this username-with-PIN feature is still in development and is not available to beta testers through the TestFlight program.
To access this feature once it is released, ensure your WhatsApp beta is up-to-date. The feature will let users chat using a username while keeping their phone number private.
It may also include PIN integration for added security, giving users the option to choose between chatting through a username or phone number.
How It Works
The new feature will act as a gatekeeper, allowing conversations only with those who have the correct PIN. Users can also change or remove their username PIN as needed.
The PIN should not include sensitive information like verification codes.
If you choose not to use this feature, your username will be accessible to anyone who knows it,
but the PIN will help manage new interactions while keeping existing contacts and conversations unchanged.
