Tech Desk 
Sep 01, 2025
WhatsApp is anticipated to be working on a new feature that could allow users to post Status updates specifically for their “close friends” on iOS.
WABetaInfo, a WhatsApp feature tracker, reported that users will see a new option to add the contacts of their choice to a list of close friends. WhatsApp currently lets users share Status updates with all their contacts by default, or two other audience options.
WhatsApp's close friends' Status update
In a blog post, WABetaInfo has revealed that the instant messaging service is working to add a new option for Status updates on iOS. The feature was spotted under development on WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.23.10.80.
With the new option, WhatsApp users will reportedly be able to choose a few “close friends,” with whom their Status will be shared. This might come in handy when one wishes to share some stories with a specific group of contacts, and while the rest of their contacts will still be able to see other Status updates.
Notably, the feature is similar to how Instagram lets users share stories with their followers. Just like Instagram stories, the new Close friends Status updates on WhatsApp will also display an indicator to make them visually distinguishable.
According to WABetaInfo, users will only be able to view Status updates, which will be posted after the change has been made, and not the ones that are already uploaded.
It is worth noting that WhatsApp has yet to officially announce the launch of the feature to the audience.
