Tech Desk 
Mar 15, 2026
WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature, which will bring status updates directly into the chats tab, replacing them into a horizontal row above the chats.
WABetaInfo reported that the status update would be similar to how Instagram displays stories above the posts. The feature let users see status updates without navigating away from their main conversation list. Currently, users can only view status updates by tapping the profile icon and scrolling through a separate section, or by switching to the Updates tab.
What to expect from WhatsApp update?
WhatsApp update will show up to three contacts who have recently posted a status update in the top bar. Users would need to scroll down that will reveal a full horizontal row of all available status updates above the chats, including updates from contacts you don’t have an active conversation with and contacts that are archived.
It is important to remember that if you have muted any status, then it will not appear in the main row but will be tucked into a seperate section called 'Hidden', where users can still view them at their own pace.
WhatsApp's new update is aimed to give users more control that they won't have to leave the chats tab to keep up with status updates.
Instead of switching screens, they can scroll through their messages and check status updates from the same view. However, WhatsApp has yet to reveal official details of the feature, expected to be launched to a wider audience.
