Key Takeaways
1. WhatsApp may soon display status updates directly in the “Chats” section instead of just the “Updates” tab.
2. In the beta version 2.26.6.9, users can see recently updated contacts at the top of the “Chats” tab, making it look like they have new messages.
3. A swipeable status bar is available while scrolling through chats, but updates from muted contacts are not shown.
4. Critics express concerns that this change could make WhatsApp feel less organized, resembling social media platforms.
5. The new feature may align with Meta’s monetization plans, as the status section is seen as a potential area for advertisements.
As per WABetaInfo’s report on February 14, 2026, WhatsApp might be changing how status updates are displayed. Instead of being confined to the “Updates” tab, these updates could soon be visible right in the “Chats” section. Right now, when a user has a new status, they see a green ring around the contact’s profile picture. To check out the update, they can either tap the profile picture or go to the “Updates” tab, which gathers all recent updates in one convenient spot.
New Features in Beta
In the current WhatsApp beta version 2.26.6.9, contacts who have recently updated their status show up at the top of the “Chats” tab, making it appear as though they’ve sent a new message. Their profile images are still highlighted. While scrolling through chats, users can see a swipeable status bar. However, it’s important to note that status updates from muted contacts are not displayed here. This feature has only been observed in the Android beta version and has yet to be verified for iOS.
Concerns About User Experience
Some critics are cautioning that this new approach could make WhatsApp feel less organized and push it closer to a social media style. There are also theories suggesting that the more noticeable placement of status updates might align with Meta’s larger monetization plans. The status section is viewed as a potential area for advertisements, while the usual banner ads within the chat interface have not been allowed so far. Since this feature is still in testing, it’s uncertain whether it will be available in this format in the final version. An official launch has not been announced yet.
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