WhatsApp is reportedly working on another major privacy-focused feature aimed at improving user control over personal conversations. The instant messaging platform has started testing a new option called “After Reading” for iPhone users, further strengthening its disappearing message capabilities.
The feature was first spotted in WhatsApp’s Android beta version and is now being tested in the iOS beta update as well. According to reports, the feature is currently available to a limited number of beta testers using Apple’s TestFlight program.
WhatsApp Expanding Privacy Features for iPhone Users
With billions of users worldwide, WhatsApp continues to focus heavily on privacy and secure communication. Over the past few years, the platform has introduced several safety tools including end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, chat locks, and privacy controls.
Now, the company appears to be taking another step forward with the upcoming “After Reading” feature. The goal is to give users more control over sensitive conversations and reduce the chances of messages remaining visible longer than intended.
Reports suggest the feature is currently available to some users running WhatsApp Beta for iOS version 26.19.10.72 through Apple’s TestFlight beta testing platform. Some App Store users may also receive the feature early before its wider public rollout.
What Is the New “After Reading” Feature?
WhatsApp is reportedly adding the new option under its existing Disappearing Messages settings. However, unlike the current disappearing message timers, the new feature works differently.
At present, disappearing messages start their countdown immediately after a message is sent. Once the selected duration ends, the message automatically disappears.
The new “After Reading” feature changes this behavior.
Instead of deleting messages after a fixed period from sending, WhatsApp will begin the deletion timer only after the recipient reads the message. This gives users more flexibility and privacy, especially for sensitive conversations.
Available Timer Options
According to reports, users may be able to choose from multiple timers for deleting messages after they are read. The expected timing options include:
- 5 minutes
- 1 hour
- 12 hours
This means that once the recipient opens and reads the message, WhatsApp will automatically remove it after the selected duration expires.
What Happens If the Message Is Never Opened?
Another important part of the feature is automatic cleanup for unread messages.
If the recipient does not open the message at all, WhatsApp is expected to automatically delete it after 24 hours. This could help reduce unnecessary message storage and provide an extra layer of privacy for users sending confidential information.
How Will This Benefit Users?
The new feature is expected to provide users with better control over private conversations, personal details, and sensitive content.
For example, users sharing:
- Confidential information
- Personal photos
- Temporary details
- One-time instructions
- Sensitive discussions
may feel more secure knowing that messages will disappear shortly after being viewed.
This feature could be particularly useful for users who prefer short-lived conversations instead of keeping chats permanently stored in the app.
Existing Disappearing Message Options Will Continue
WhatsApp’s current disappearing message timers will still remain available alongside the new “After Reading” option.
At present, users can already set messages to disappear after:
- 24 hours
- 7 days
- 90 days
These settings can be applied to:
- Individual chats
- Group conversations
- All new chats by default
However, reports suggest that the new “After Reading” timer will need to be enabled manually by users whenever they want to use it.
Feature Still in Testing Phase
As of now, WhatsApp has not officially announced a global rollout date for the feature. Since it is still under beta testing, some details could change before the final public release.
Still, the appearance of the feature in both Android and iOS beta versions strongly suggests that WhatsApp is preparing for a broader launch in the future.
As messaging privacy becomes increasingly important, features like “After Reading” highlight WhatsApp’s continued efforts to offer users safer and more flexible communication tools.
