WhatsApp is introducing the ability to filter conversations on standard WhatsApp accounts on iOS, Android, and the desktop app. The ability to filter chats is already available on WhatsApp Business Accounts.
Filters for chats
The screenshot above, via WABetaInfo, shows the filter button on a WhatsApp Business account. With this feature, users with a long list of chats no longer need to worry about missing messages. Its introduction will make it easier to search for unread chats, contacts, non-contacts, and groups. This will help tidy up your chats or find a chat when you’re in a hurry. We do wish they made a filter called ‘saw the message, but got distracted and forgot to reply’, though.
After the update arrives, standard WhatsApp accounts gain access to these new powers. But there will be a difference. Even if a user is not searching for chats or messages, the filter button will always be visible.
What has WhatsApp been up to
The service has released several updates in the past year; such as voice messaging, a limit to message forwarding, support for files larger 2GB (and estimates on its download completion), the ability to link several devices to one WhatsApp account, brand new emoji reactions features, and finally the Communities features coming soon.
Just when Meta’s service will gain the broader ability to filter messages isn’t known. As usual, it could be right around the corner, or we might have to wait for a few weeks. Either way, it should be along soon. Unless its scrapped. In which case, it won’t.
Source: Android Police