WhatsApp today dropped a host of new features, with multiple account support for iOS users chief among them. This isn’t some far-flung prescient beta report either. It comes straight from the horse’s mouth, with features like cross-platform chat transfers, easier storage management, and even more Meta AI integration confirmed.
It’s been a long time coming
First, and most important, is multiple account support for iOS. No longer will iPhone users be condemned to switching phones when dealing with their mistress taking care of business. Now, they can simply switch over to their alt account with a few button presses. Only two accounts are allowed, so anything beyond that will require a second device. A profile picture at the bottom of the screen will let you know which account is active at a glance.
Setting one up is as simple as visiting Settings on your primary device. From there, tap the ‘+‘ next to your name. Tap Agree and Continue when presented with the ToS. Select your country and enter your phone number. Hit Continue to receive a code. Punch the six-digit code in. Enter your name, then tap Next.
Another boon for iOS users (or soon-to-be former iOS users) is cross-platform transfers, now supporting the migration of chat history from iOS to Android devices. It’s also simplified the process for iOS users, making the jump to a new iPhone. It’ll bring everything with the transfer, from individual chats to your curated settings.
If storage is an issue, WhatsApp now allows users to clear out large files from individual chats, without ever deleting the chat itself. “Simply tap the chat name and select Manage Storage. You can also choose to clear just media files when clearing a chat – keeping your chat history intact,” it said.
The rest — like ‘stickers that match your mood’ by suggesting them right as you type emojis — is certainly not worth the trouble of its own announcement. The same goes for allowing users to edit their photos with Meta AI right in the app, or ask Meta’s chatbot for help when writing a message. All these features have already begun rolling out to users globally, though some may take some time to hit your specific device.
