WhatsApp, the ubiquitous messaging platform owned by Meta, is taking a significant step toward enhancing user privacy and aligning with features long available on competing apps like Signal.

In its latest beta update for iOS, version 25.17.10.70, the company is testing a feature that allows users to create usernames, a move that could redefine how people connect on the platform while addressing long-standing privacy concerns surrounding phone number visibility.

According to WABetaInfo, a leading source for WhatsApp updates, this new feature enables users to set a unique username as an alternative identifier, reducing the need to share personal phone numbers when initiating contact. This development marks a departure from WhatsApp’s traditional reliance on phone numbers as the primary means of identification, a system that has often been criticized for compromising user privacy, especially in an era where data breaches and unwanted contact are growing concerns.

A Shift Toward Privacy

For years, competitors like Signal have offered username functionality, allowing users to communicate without exposing personal details. Signal’s approach has been lauded by privacy advocates for giving users control over their digital identities, and WhatsApp’s latest move appears to be a direct response to this trend. By introducing usernames, WhatsApp is not only catching up but also signaling a broader shift in its philosophy toward user empowerment and data protection.

This feature, still in beta testing, is designed to let users choose a custom handle that others can search for or use to start conversations. As WABetaInfo reports, the username system will likely coexist with phone numbers, offering a hybrid model where users can decide how much personal information to reveal. This flexibility could be a game-changer for professionals, activists, or anyone wary of sharing their number in group chats or public-facing interactions.

Implications for User Experience

Beyond privacy, the introduction of usernames could transform WhatsApp’s user experience by making the platform more social and accessible. Imagine joining a community group or connecting with a business without the awkward exchange of digits—usernames simplify this process, much like handles on platforms like Twitter or Instagram. It’s a small but meaningful step toward modernizing WhatsApp’s interface and functionality for a younger, tech-savvy audience accustomed to pseudonymity online.

Moreover, this feature could enhance WhatsApp’s appeal in markets where privacy laws are stringent or where users are particularly sensitive to data exposure. In regions like Europe, where GDPR regulations impose strict rules on personal data, offering an alternative to phone numbers could bolster WhatsApp’s compliance and reputation. WABetaInfo notes that while the feature is currently limited to iOS beta testers, a wider rollout to Android and stable versions is expected if testing proves successful.

Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook

As WhatsApp experiments with usernames, it faces pressure to keep pace with rivals who have long prioritized such features. Signal, for instance, has built a loyal user base by emphasizing privacy-first design, and Telegram offers similar username capabilities alongside extensive customization options. WhatsApp’s challenge will be to integrate this feature seamlessly without alienating its massive, diverse user base, many of whom are accustomed to the simplicity of phone number-based contact.

Looking ahead, the username feature could pave the way for additional innovations, such as enhanced profile customization or integration with other Meta services. For now, though, it represents a critical acknowledgment of user demand for privacy and control. As WABetaInfo highlights, WhatsApp’s beta updates often serve as a testing ground for major shifts, and this feature could herald a new chapter for the platform—one where identity is less tethered to a phone number and more reflective of personal choice. With testing underway, industry watchers will be keen to see how quickly WhatsApp can refine and deploy this update to its billions of users worldwide.