WhatsApp Nears Launch of Username Feature
Meta-owned messaging giant WhatsApp is on the cusp of introducing a long-awaited feature: the ability to use usernames instead of phone numbers for messaging. Initially glimpsed in a beta build last year, this sought-after functionality has kept users on their toes, awaiting its full implementation.
Unlike the U.S., where iMessage and SMS dominate the messaging scene, WhatsApp reigns supreme in regions like India, Latin America, and parts of Europe. Consequently, the demand for username-based messaging is high, especially among users with international connections.
For users worldwide, WhatsApp has been diligently crafting the option to generate usernames. While progress updates were scarce, the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS version 24.3.10.72, as unearthed by WABetaInfo, indicates a significant step forward.
Within this beta iteration, users once again encounter the section allowing them to select a username. However, this time, the app initiates a validation process to ensure the chosen username's validity. This validation encompasses uniqueness and restricts characters to alphanumerics (a-z and 0-9), promising enhanced privacy by concealing phone numbers.
Presently, exchanging WhatsApp contact details entails divulging one's phone number, a potential concern for those prioritizing anonymity for security or personal reasons. While a phone number may still be necessary for account setup, the introduction of usernames empowers users to exercise greater discretion over who can view their contact information.
Moreover, this feature caters to users seeking simpler, more memorable identifiers for friends and family, eschewing the need for cumbersome numeric sequences. Though an official timeline for the widespread availability of usernames remains elusive, users anticipate its integration as a focal point of WhatsApp's developmental efforts in the coming year.