Tech Desk 
Jul 23, 2024
WhatsApp, the meta-owned messaging platform, has been updated with new features to enhance user experience and simplify communication as millions of people worldwide use this platform to connect with their friends and family.
The app is reportedly working on a new feature that allows users to share files with others without an internet connection.
Reminiscent of Apple’s AirDrop feature, it was initially being tested on Android, but now a report suggests that it will also be available to iPhone users.
Read more: WhatsApp rolls out new calling screen interface for iOS users
According to WABetaInfo, the latest beta version of WhatsApp for iOS includes a ‘Nearby Share’ option allowing users to share photos, videos and documents with people nearby wirelessly as well as without an internet connection.
The feature will allow users to share content across different platforms regardless of whether their contacts use Android or iOS.
Additionally, the feature also has end-to-end encryption ensuring that only the allowed recipients can access the content.
As per the WhatsApp beta for iOS version 24.15.10.70 update, the feature will work by sharing a QR with the receiving devices, unlike the nearby device detection method that is being used by the Android version.
The AirDrop-like file-sharing feature is still in the early stages of development therefore is only available for internal testing, and there are no details about when it will be available for the users.
