WhatsApp could introduce an AirDrop-like file sharing feature on the iPhone
WhatsApp is developing a feature on iOS that will allow users to share documents, files, media and other content with nearby devices, according to claims from a feature tracker. The functionality would be similar to Apple’s AirDrop feature, which allows content to be shared between two Apple devices that are close to each other. The feature is reportedly currently in development and is not available to beta testers of WhatsApp for iOS. It is expected to roll out to WhatsApp for Android as well.
Share nearby files on WhatsApp for iOS
According to To provide tracker WABetaInfo, the nearby file sharing feature was first spotted on WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24. 9.22 in April. It has now been spotted in development on WhatsApp beta for iOS version 24.15. 10. 70 update via the TestFlight program, but is not available to testers who install the latest beta.
Nearby sharing feature on WhatsApp for iOS
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
According to the screenshot shared by the feature tracker, WhatsApp’s nearby file sharing feature may include scanning QR codes to share files between devices. The text suggests it could be called “Nearby Share.”
It is speculated that users will be able to transfer documents, files, photos, videos, and other data without needing to access the internet. It is currently unclear whether this feature is different from the one in development for the Android version of the app, which relies on detection of nearby devices.
The feature tracker also says that the file transfer feature will support end-to-end encryption for secure data transfers. Its arrival could potentially allow users to share files across platforms, such as Android and iOS devices. The feature tracker suggests that this new functionality is still in development and that beta testers who have registered through Apple’s TestFlight program may not yet have access to it.
Improvements to the WhatsApp channel
In addition to Share Nearby, WhatsApp for iOS is also speculated to develop a new way to quickly explore new channels. Updates The ‘What’s New’ tab is said to have gotten a redesign with the latest beta update, featuring a new shortcut to discover channels.
The latest update is also said to bring changes to the overall user interface (UI) by create channels option in the navigation bar. This feature would be available to beta testers who have installed the WhatsApp for iOS app beta 24.14.10.79 update.
