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WhatsApp has announced a major update for its users. According to recent news, the social media platform is preparing for its biggest update yet. This update will shift from using standard phone numbers to using usernames and unique IDs.
The new feature will reportedly allow users to send messages and make voice or video calls without sharing their phone numbers. This is similar to the username feature available on Instagram.
According to recent reports, the social media platform is expected to roll out usernames worldwide by June 2026. The report also cited people who were aware of the upcoming developments. They added that both businesses and consumers will be able to reserve unique handles. For example, the Instagram handles (unique IDs) of ‘HDFC Bank' or 'Ben Clark'.
WhatsApp has also officially confirmed the development in an announcement. The tech company highlighted, “We're excited to bring usernames to WhatsApp in the future to help people connect with friends, groups, and businesses without having to share their phone numbers.”
In response to the upcoming update, a spokesperson explained that “This feature will add an extra layer of privacy for people and make it easier to reach businesses on WhatsApp. We'll have more to share when it's ready.”
Additionally, WhatsApp will bring an "optional privacy feature." This feature will allow users to continue using phone numbers as well. This option will help users avoid disruptions while using WhatsApp. This also ensures that users do not switch to WhatsApp’s competing platforms, such as Signal and Telegram.
Looking ahead, WhatsApp will also introduce a feature that includes ‘dynamic pricing’ for businesses. This feature would require users to bid their maximum price in real time to send marketing messages on the platform.
As of now, the beta testing for the new pricing feature will run through the second half of 2026. This feature is expected to be available to the public in the second quarter of 2027. The report also highlighted, “It is going to be a major revenue unlock for WhatsApp, which has been stuck on per-message pricing for almost a decade now.”
Also read: WhatsApp’s New iOS Update Brings Personalized Profile Experience
