REPORT: WhatsApp begins testing granular privacy controls on latest iOS Beta update

WhatsApp is apparently handing out more granular privacy options to select testers on the current beta version of the iOS app, allowing for more extensive administration of the service's privacy settings. The feature, which was first seen in beta last year, is intended to allow users more control over who may access their last seen, about, and profile photo on the messaging app. While certain beta testers have access to these capabilities on the iOS and Android beta versions, WhatsApp has yet to indicate when these privacy options will be made available to all users.

According to WABetaInfo, a WhatsApp features tracker, the Meta-owned messaging service has begun rolling out granular privacy restrictions for profile photos, 'About' descriptions, and 'Last seen.' Users who signed up for TestFlight to get beta builds may update to WhatsApp beta for iOS 22.9.0.70 and see the features activated. According to the feature tracker, the new settings appear to be activated via a server-side switch, since some users may have to wait up to 24 hours to view them.