WhatsApp tests Status updates at the top of the Chats tab
WhatsApp is testing a change that would surface Status updates at the top of the Chats tab, putting the 24-hour posts into the main chat list instead of leaving them only in the Updates area. The feature is still under development, is not widely available, and does not work in the current beta references.
Status cards surface in the Chats tab
The change would bring Status into one of WhatsApp’s most visible spaces: the screen where users already open individual conversations and scan their recent messages. In the current setup, Status sits in the Updates tab, though people can also reach it from the Chats tab by tapping profile photos with the green ring.
The beta version being tested points to a dedicated row or preview area above the chat list, giving Status a more central position without changing the basic format itself. The feature is still being refined, so the final layout is not locked in.
A more central place for 24-hour posts
Status posts would still disappear after 24 hours. The difference is where they show up and how quickly users can see them.
The current test points to a preview-style display that surfaces recent updates without forcing people to leave the Chats tab. That keeps the same ephemeral format users already know, while making it easier to notice new posts as soon as they open the app.
Beta builds on iOS and Android point to the same direction
Recent beta references point to the feature on both iOS and Android, suggesting WhatsApp is preparing the same general change across platforms. But the timing is not confirmed, and availability may not move on the same schedule everywhere.
What remains unclear is how the final interface will behave. It is not yet confirmed whether the Chats tab placement will replace the existing Updates tab view or sit alongside it, and the number of Status items shown in the new layout is still unknown. For now, the signal is limited to testing builds and a UI change that could make Status much harder to miss.
Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
About the author
Samarth Agrawal is an AI and technology professional who writes about WhatsApp, automation, and emerging AI trends. He focuses on simplifying complex tech updates into practical insights for businesses, creators, and everyday users
