Tech Desk 
Jan 15, 2025
WhatsApp is reportedly gearing up to launch the latest feature for iOS beta testers, improving the visual clarity of shared links by showcasing the favicon, a small graphical representation and logo of the site which is directly in the link preview.
Typically used in web browsers to identify websites, favicons will now appear within WhatsApp conversations, enabling users to swiftly associate a shared link with its source. This update aims to offer a more cohesive link-sharing experience across both iOS and Android platforms, while also making link previews more captivating and intuitive, according to WABetaInfo.
For maximum users, identifying a website by its logo is faster and more convenient than recognising it via its domain name. This feature offers a streamlined way to verify links from reliable sources.
However, it is important to note that favicons are purely visual indicators and do not guarantee the safety or authenticity of a website. Malicious websites can easily use misleading favicons to deceive users. As a result, users are advised to exercise caution, verify domain names, and independently assess the credibility of links, especially those received from unidentified sources.
Currently, favicon feature is available to a few beta testers who have downloaded the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS via the TestFlight app. A wider rollout is expected in the coming weeks. To ensure access to this feature once it becomes widely available, users should regularly update their apps.
