WhatsApp developing a New Reply Bar for Status on Android and iOS

With the reply bar, WhatsApp essentially aims to prompt users to interact more with status updates. This would be similar to the reply bar in Instagram Stories, which allows users to respond to each or any Story with a message.

WABetaInfo has also shared a screenshot of what the feature will look like. We can see a reply bar at the bottom of the screen where one views a status update. By tapping on the reply bar, users will have the ability to reply to an individual status update with a message. This reply bar will be consistently visible through each status update, like you see on Instagram Stories. This would be unlike the current design of the WhatsApp Status update, which requires users to swipe up to access the reply/message option.

Currently, Instagram also supports replying to Stories with GIF via the reply bar. This ability can not be seen in the beta version of the reply bar on WhatsApp yet, but there is a possibility that WhatsApp may add that feature eventually.

WhatsApp has been trying to really push the Status feature on the platform with some update or the other. Recently, the platform was also found to be testing the ability to share WhatsApp Status updates on Instagram.

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This feature is expected to be similar to the current ability to share Instagram Stories directly to Facebook Stories. With this feature, users will be able to share their WhatsApp Status on Instagram seamlessly without exiting the WhatsApp app. Much like the current option to cross-post Stories from Instagram to Facebook, this functionality allows WhatsApp users to update both their WhatsApp Status and Instagram Story with just one tap.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also rumoured to be developing a feature that will enable users to search for contacts or messages using usernames. This feature provides users with the option to establish a username, offering a level of privacy for those who prefer not to disclose their phone numbers. This advancement is expected to be particularly advantageous for individuals who prioritise privacy and desire more control over their personal information.