Major WhatsApp change could finally be coming for Apple users – over a year after Android

Cheaters may need it as a lifeline, while others simply want a different profile for their professional life.

Whatever the reason, those using iPhones have so far not been able to use a separate number for WhatsApp on the same phone.

It’s not exactly a cutting edge update, given that Android phone users have been able to do this for over a year.

But it has nevertheless been long awaited, and it looks set to be coming soon.

The site WABetaInfo, which tracks the latest updates on the messaging app, said that it is ‘working on a feature to add and manage multiple accounts within the app’.

Currently, users had to download a separate WhatsApp Business app to message from different accounts, or use a different phone entirely.

But the new change is set to make it more like Instagram or Facebook, also owned by Meta, where it is simple to switch between profiles.

The feature is not yet available to most, so don’t get too frustrated.

It was available in the 25.2.10.70 beta version to certain testers only via the Test Flight programme, and is expected to be available to all in a future update.

Notifications, chats, backups, and settings will remain separate for each account, WABetaInfo reported.

Previously rolling out the change on Android, WhatsApp wrote on their blog that it allowed switching between ‘work you’ and ‘fun you’ on the same device.

And to be fair, nobody wants to show up as ‘online’ if they’re studiously ignoring their boss ask for shift cover.

Better late than never of course, but this is what WhatsApp said when rolling out the change out to Android in October 2023: ‘What’s better than having a WhatsApp account? Well, of course it’s having two.’

‘Today, we’re introducing the ability to have two WhatsApp accounts on Android logged in at the same time. Helpful for switching between accounts – such as your work and personal – now you no longer need to log out each time, carry two phones or worry about messaging from the wrong place.

‘To set up a second account, you will need a second phone number and SIM card, or a phone that accepts multi-SIM or eSIM. Simply open your WhatsApp settings, click on the arrow next to your name, and click “Add account”.

‘You can control your privacy and notification settings on each account.’

Earlier this month, Meta announced that users would be able to add WhatsaApp to their Account Centre, allowing more integration with Instagram and Facebook.

‘It’ll be easier to reshare updates from your WhatsApp Status to Facebook or Instagram Stories and show your friends what’s happening in your life without having to post multiple times,’ they said.

‘You’ll also be able to log back in to your WhatsApp account with a single sign-on, so you can get back into your accounts faster and with fewer steps.’

In a bid to make WhatsApp ‘more fun and easier to use’, they also said they would introduce more camera effects, selfie stickers and quick reactions.

Another update to watch out for is the ability to message ChatGPT from WhatsApp, which its maker OpenAI announced it was working on to make it more accessible.

Those with particularly old smartphones won’t get to benefit from any of these updates, however, as they will be losing access entirely.

Changes to WhatsApp’s compatibility with operating systems mean some older Android smartphones stopped being able to load the app on January 1.

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