WhatsApp is expanding testing of View-Once disappearing messages feature to iOS following initial trial on Android that began last month. WABetaInfo identified the feature in beta version 26.19.10.72 of WhatsApp for iOS giving users more control over how long messages remain accessible after recipients read them.
The feature allows users to enable countdown timer through “After reading” option found in Default message timer menu. iOS users can set timer to 5 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours after which WhatsApp will delete sent messages automatically if recipients read them. The system will delete messages automatically after 24 hours if recipients leave them unread according to feature specifications.
WhatsApp will delete messages automatically from sender’s device after selected duration. A message sent at 10 AM with 5-minute timer will disappear from sender’s device by 10:05 AM. If recipient reads message at 10:10 AM, WhatsApp will then delete it from their device at 10:15 AM creating synchronized auto-deletion.
The updated system integrates into After reading option within WhatsApp’s Default Message Timer settings offering more flexible privacy controls than current disappearing messages feature. This differs from older View Once option for photos and videos as new version also works for normal text messages making it more useful for private chats.
WABetaInfo noted feature currently reaches select WhatsApp beta users on iOS. However, it remains unclear when WhatsApp plans to roll out feature for all users on both Android and iOS platforms. WhatsApp has not shared official release date for stable users but features reaching this stage typically see wider rollout after developers complete testing and fix bugs.
WhatsApp has been adding more privacy features lately with this update representing another step toward giving users better control over conversations without complicating things.
