WhatsApp Testing Threaded Replies for iOS

WhatsApp has begun testing support for threaded message replies on iOS, expanding a feature previously only available on Android.

Whatsapp Feature
As spotted by WABetaInfo, the feature is now under active development in the WhatsApp for iOS beta, which is available to users through TestFlight. While the feature is not yet functional for end users, its appearance in the latest beta indicates that a public release could be approaching.

Threaded message replies will allow users to respond to specific messages in a structured format, separate from the main chat feed. This is different from inline replies, which still show in the main feed. The feature should enable clearer conversation tracking when multiple discussions occur simultaneously in the same chat.

The feature works by displaying a small reply counter on any message that has received responses. Tapping this indicator opens a separate screen containing the full thread. In this view, users can read all replies tied to the original message in sequence, as well as send additional replies in the same thread.

WhatsApp typically conducts staggered rollouts for major features, and further beta releases are likely before full public availability.

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Top Rated Comments

mdatwood Avatar
8 months ago
How about multi-account??
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Xade Avatar
8 months ago
They are going to mess up what was a good app, aren't they?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TwoBytes Avatar
8 months ago
I don't get it - don't we have threaded replies already? I need a visual.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
svish Avatar
8 months ago
Don't use the app much. However good to see feature parity between Android and iOS version of the app.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
applefan8254 Avatar
8 months ago
I think Whatsapp could improve in a few areas.

To start, Whatsapp still requires a phone number which is annoying. It would be nice to see them do email+password login and editable usernames. (like slack, ms teams, google chat, discord, etc)

Secondly, it would be nice to see the edit button made available forever, like slack, ms teams, google chat, discord, etc...we should control our digital footprint. People who claim that "15 minutes is good" - what do they think about slack, teams, google chat, and discord allowing unlimited editing. I don't think WhatsApp should be going for a "everything we type is set in stone type of platform". I think it should be a bit more casual and allow forever edits - not saying that's what people *should* do - but the fact that it's allowed makes for a more comfortable chat platform.

Another thing WhatsApp could use is better support for multiple devices. Currently you get one primary device and 3 additional linked devices. If you sign in to a new device without making it a *linked devices*, it automatically signs you out of your primary device and you may lose a bunch of data.

I think they should give users the option to let users choose what kind of system they want. I think many would prefer a more robust multiple devices system where we could login to many more devices than just the few that they currently allow.

Also, Maybe when you attempt to sign in, and you're already signed in to a primary device, they could warn you that you're going to lose the data that's not backed up on your existing primary device.

Another thought is 2 primary devices. It's good we can link a few devices to our 1 primary device, and I can understand some security benefits of not just allowing *unlimited* primary devices. However, I think *2* primary devices could be a good happy medium that still balances functionality with security. This way, we could login to *1* extra device *without* having to *link it* to the *1* primary device. This would give us 2 primary devices, with 4 linked means 8 devices total, I think is good. Still not unlimited for better security, but one extra primary device would enhance functionality/accessibility.

I think the ability to signup with email and password is good. Better multiple device support. Editable usernames so we don't have to share our phone number. There's so much spam out there today, we should be able to converse with people without sharing our phone number. The edit button needs to be expanded to allow editing forever. It's the principle of the matter. All other major chat platforms have it. The linked devices function is too limited and needs to allow more devices. Backup and storage should be available on the WhatsApp cloud/server instead of requiring backup and restore everytime.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)