WhatsApp is set to launch a new feature that will allow users to connect with each other using usernames, enhancing privacy by removing the need to share phone numbers. the progress was initially spotted by Wabetainfo in the beta 25.17.10.70 version of Testflight.This functionality, currently under development, will enable users to select a unique identifier, similar to features found on Telegram and Signal.

WhatsApp Aims to Revolutionize user Identification

Although the feature is not yet available for beta testers, code snippets suggest that WhatsApp is refining both the interface and the rules governing the username system. This new functionality prioritizes the confidentiality of phone numbers, using usernames by default for contacts who do not have a user’s phone number. This represents a notable shift in how users can connect on the platform.

The functionality emphasizes the confidentiality of the phone number, by default the username with contacts that do not have your number.

The username rules on WhatsApp will include:

• Usernames cannot start with “www.” to avoid confusion with website addresses.
• Usernames must include at least one letter, prohibiting usernames composed solely of numbers or symbols.
• allowed characters include lowercase letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), periods, and underscores.

Upon selecting a valid username, a confetti animation will appear as confirmation. Usernames will then be displayed in conversations and groups rather of phone numbers. Any modification to a username will trigger a system message in chats, similar to updates for profile photos or phone numbers.

A future update to the web version of WhatsApp will incorporate a username availability checker. While still in development, the presence of this feature in recent beta versions suggests an upcoming launch, following the recent release of an official application for iPad.