What's new in WhatsApp?

Sep 19, 2024 - 15:32
Meta's instant messaging app is back with another feature focused on enhancing your experience on its desktop app
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1. Meta's instant messaging app is back with another feature focused on enhancing your experience on its desktop app

WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that allows users to view and follow channels directly from their Mac, as reported by WABetaInfo. This update is available through the latest WhatsApp beta version 24.19.71 on the TestFlight app.

The feature, which is now accessible in the Status tab (renamed Updates), enables users to manage both status updates and channels from the Mac Catalyst app. Previously, users could only view channel updates via notifications due to limited support.

With the deprecation of the Mac Electron app next month, WhatsApp is transitioning channel features to the Mac Catalyst app. This move ensures users can continue following channels even as the Electron app is phased out.

The update includes the ability to follow and explore channels directly from the Mac app, with options to filter channels by country and category. This feature aims to enhance content discovery without needing to switch to the mobile app.

It’s worth noting that, since this feature is still in beta, channels might not yet fully sync between the mobile and desktop apps. Users may need to re-follow channels on the desktop app, and channel owners might temporarily face issues sharing updates from their mobile devices.

The feature is currently available to select beta testers and will be rolled out to a broader audience in the coming days.