By allowing group members to share their chat history with new members, WhatsApp may finally provide a solution for new users joining a group.
WhatsApp iPhone group chat history feature overview
WABetainfo discovered the capability, which was made available through a fresh iOS upgrade via the TestFlight beta program.
The functionality was already hinted at for WhatsApp for Android, but it appears that the Meta-owned personal messaging app intends to expand its user base with the upcoming iOS release.
How WhatsApp iPhone group chat history sharing works
According to reports, the new feature will enable new members to learn about the group’s goals and the context of earlier discussions by reading messages sent before to joining. WhatsApp presently only permits users to read messages sent once they have joined a group, although other platforms, such as Telegram, provide the ability to view past messages in the group.
Up to 100 recent communications shared in the group within the previous 14 days would purportedly be accessible to new members thanks to this functionality. In order to quickly distinguish them from new communications, the messages sent in this manner are highlighted in a distinct color.
📱 WhatsApp iPhone Group Chat History Sharing
- Platform: WhatsApp for iPhone (iOS)
- Availability: TestFlight beta users
- Message Limit: Up to 100 previous messages
- Time Range: Last 14 days only
- Privacy: Disabled by default, manual sharing required
- Visual Cue: Shared messages appear in a different color
Transparency and notifications for existing members
In the meanwhile, WhatsApp will notify older users that the new member has received the group chats. Additionally, the business will post a message in the group chat that includes the identity of the person who shared the communications with the new group member.
When a new member is added to the group, the feature will be displayed. The new option to share recent messages should show up at the bottom of the screen after choosing the “Add member” option. The user will be able to choose to share a smaller selection of messages or up to 100 messages.
User control and safety alerts
Nevertheless, WhatsApp does not automatically distribute the chat history to new group members, and the feature is by default disabled. Additionally, when users attempt to share messages with new members, the app will display alerts.
According to reports, these alerts would appear up to three times before sharing the communications as soon as the user confirmed the activity.
🧪 WhatsApp iOS Beta Rollout Status
- Source: WABetainfo
- Access: TestFlight beta only
- Rollout Type: Gradual
- Public Release: Not announced
- Android Status: Feature hinted earlier
- Goal: Better context for new group members
Current availability and rollout timeline
Only iOS users of WhatsApp who received the most recent version through the TestFlight app are presently able to access it. According to the article, there is currently no release date and this is a gradual rollout.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the new iPhone WhatsApp group feature?
A feature that allows new group members to view certain previous messages posted prior to joining the group is undergoing testing on WhatsApp.
2. How many previous messages can a new member receive?
Members or group administrators may share up to 100 recent messages, but only those from the previous 14 days.
3. Will previous conversations be automatically visible to new members?
No, by default, the feature is disabled. Only when an existing member decides to share a message when adding a new user is it shared.
4. How will the chat display shared messages?
It will be simple to tell shared previous messages from new ones because they will show up in a different color. The sharing of chat history will also be communicated to other group members.
5. When will everyone get access to this feature?
As of right now, only iOS beta users may access it through TestFlight. The distribution will be slow, and WhatsApp has not yet disclosed an official release date.
Conclusion
Particularly for work, school, and community organizations, WhatsApp’s planned chat history sharing feature is a much-needed enhancement.
WhatsApp is finally catching up to competitors like Telegram by letting new users comprehend previous conversations without sacrificing privacy—all the while maintaining user control. When made available to the public, this feature may improve the structure, significance, and friendliness of group discussions.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information from beta releases and third-party reports. Features may change or be delayed before the official public rollout.
