WhatsApp plans big changes in 2026 to become more like a social media platform

WhatsApp is planning major changes in 2026 as it moves beyond just a messaging app and tries to become a full social media platform, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday. 

According to media reports, the new updates aimed to improve how people interact, not just through chats but also by sharing photos, videos, and other content in more active ways.

One of the biggest changes is a username feature.

This will allow users to talk to each other without sharing phone numbers, similar to how Instagram works.

This is expected to improve privacy and make it easier to connect with new people.

The Status feature will also be upgraded.

Users may soon be able to add music, like statuses, and use interactive options like “Add Yours,” making it more like other social media apps.

The “About” section is also expected to change.

Users will be able to post short updates that disappear after 24 hours.

Other planned features include new chat themes, better sticker suggestions, channel subscriptions, and AI tools to help write messages and edit images.

The changes are part of efforts by Meta Platforms, which owns WhatsApp, to make the app more modern and engaging.

However, some users worry these changes could make the app less simple than it is today.