- WhatsApp is reportedly developing Location Status updates, adding a dedicated location option to status creation.
- WhatsApp Instants may offer disappearing photos and videos, filters, captions and planned screenshot blocking.
- Both features are under Android beta testing, with no confirmed launch date or iOS availability.
WhatsApp Instants and native Location Status updates are reportedly in development for Android, offering two new ways to share moments through the messaging app. The features have appeared in WhatsApp beta versions, but neither is available to users as a public release yet.
The upcoming Location Status option is expected to let users share a place directly in Status, while Instants is being developed for quick, disappearing photos and videos. Both features remain under testing, and WhatsApp has not announced a launch date.
WhatsApp Working on Native Location Status Updates
A native Location Status feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.45.8. Today, users who want to share a location in Status have to select a photo or video first and then add a location sticker. The reported update could make the process more direct by adding a dedicated Location option to the Status creation menu.
Also Read
After the user grants location permission, WhatsApp is expected to detect their current location. Users would be able to confirm the detected place or manually enter a different location before sharing it. This could make it easier to share a place without attaching a photo or video as the background.
The shared Status is reportedly designed to display a map card with a green pin, the place name and its full address. Viewers may also get a button at the top to expand the map and see the location in more detail. These interface details are based on testing and could change before a public release.
WhatsApp already offers ways to share Status updates and manage who can see them. Read our coverage of WhatsApp group chat and Status features for context on recent Status additions.
WhatsApp Instants May Bring Disappearing Photo and Video Sharing
The second feature, called Instants, was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.45.13. Meta introduced Instants on Instagram in May this year, and a similar format is reportedly being prepared for WhatsApp. It is designed for sharing quick camera captures that disappear after the recipient views them.
According to the current testing details, an Instants shortcut may appear as a lightning bolt icon at the top of the Chats tab. Tapping it would open the camera, allowing users to take a photo or record a video of up to 30 seconds. Gallery uploads are not expected to be supported, so the feature would focus on content captured directly through its camera.
Instants Filters, Captions and Screenshot Blocking
Users may be able to add captions and apply a filter before sharing an Instants photo or video. Filters spotted during testing include Original, Goof, Bulge, Nervous, Tears, Fisheye, Glitch, VHS, Fade and Prism. WhatsApp could change this selection before the feature becomes available.
Screenshot blocking is also planned for Instants. Sharing is reportedly limited to mutual contacts who have each other’s phone numbers saved. Media and captions are expected to be protected with end-to-end encryption. The exact behaviour and safeguards may be refined during beta testing.
WhatsApp users can review existing account visibility and Status controls in our WhatsApp privacy settings guide. Instants’ proposed contact restrictions and disappearing media would be separate feature-specific controls.
WhatsApp Location Status and Instants: Expected Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Native Location Status | A dedicated Location option in the Status creation menu is reportedly in development. |
| Location confirmation | WhatsApp may detect the current location after permission; users can confirm it or enter another place manually. |
| Map card | The Status may show a map card with a green pin, place name and full address, with an option to expand the map. |
| Instants camera | A lightning bolt shortcut may open the camera from the Chats tab for photos and videos up to 30 seconds. |
| Gallery uploads | Gallery uploads are reportedly not supported for Instants. |
| Disappearing media | Instants photos and videos are expected to disappear after the recipient views them. |
| Filters and captions | Captions and a selection of filters may be available; the list can change before release. |
| Privacy | Screenshot blocking is planned; sharing is reportedly limited to mutual contacts with each other’s numbers saved, with end-to-end encryption for media and captions. |
| Availability | Both features are being tested for Android. iOS availability and a release date have not been announced. |
Will WhatsApp Location Status and Instants Come to iPhone?
The reported sightings are from WhatsApp beta for Android. The information available so far does not mention whether either feature will be developed for iOS. WhatsApp has not shared a public release timeline, so these features should be treated as upcoming experiments rather than confirmed additions for all users.
Conclusion
WhatsApp is reportedly exploring native Location Status updates and Instants for Android. Location Status could simplify sharing a place, while Instants may bring camera-first disappearing media with filters and additional privacy measures. Both features are still in development, with no confirmed launch date or iOS availability announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WhatsApp Location Status available now?
No. Native Location Status updates have reportedly been spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.45.8. The feature is still under development and has no announced release date.
What is WhatsApp Instants?
WhatsApp Instants is a reportedly upcoming camera-first feature for sharing photos and videos up to 30 seconds. The media is expected to disappear after the recipient views it, with captions and filters supported.
Will WhatsApp Instants come to iOS?
The reports describe testing on Android beta only. They do not confirm whether WhatsApp Instants or native Location Status updates will come to iOS.
Are WhatsApp Instants photos and videos private?
The feature is reportedly designed for mutual contacts who have each other’s phone numbers saved. Media and captions are expected to be end-to-end encrypted, and screenshot blocking is planned. These details may change during testing.
Discover more from MobileTelco
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
