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WhatsApp is working on a new Close Friends feature that makes sharing status updates more personal and private. The feature is in testing for the iOS beta version 25.23.10.80 and is expected to roll out soon. It works in a way very similar to the Instagram Close Friends feature.
Right now, WhatsApp Status lets people share with all contacts, exclude some contacts, or manually select a few. With the new update, there will be a Close Friends list inside privacy settings. This will make it easier to share only with a chosen group, without selecting contacts one by one each time.
When someone posts a Close Friends status, it will appear with a different colored ring, letting viewers know that the update is private and only for a select circle. This design is borrowed from Instagram and makes it easy to tell which posts are special and not for everyone.
An important part of this feature is discretion. Contacts will not get any alerts when they are added or removed from the Close Friends list. That means people can manage their private circle without creating any awkward situations.
Additionally, only those already on the list at the time of posting will see the update. If someone is added later, they will not see earlier posts unless the status is uploaded again.
Privacy remains the top focus. Every Close Friends status will still disappear after 24 hours, just like regular ones. All posts will stay protected by end-to-end encryption, which means only the chosen contacts can view them. Neither WhatsApp nor Meta will have access to the content.
This new feature will give more comfort to people who want to share personal moments but do not want their updates seen by every contact. It also matches Meta’s plan to offer similar features across its apps, giving WhatsApp users a more social, Instagram-like experience.
WhatsApp has been adding many new tools recently. Reports mention AI writing support for messages and more disappearing message options. Now, with the arrival of Close Friends Status, the app is moving closer to offering a mix of personal sharing and strong privacy.
When the feature launches for all users, it could change how people use WhatsApp Status. Many may feel less hesitant to share daily life moments, knowing their updates are visible only to a smaller, trusted circle.
Also Read: WhatsApp Rolls Out AI Writing Help to Enhance Everyday Chats
