WhatsApp now shows recently online contacts to iPhone beta users

WhatsApp has started showing the “recently online” contacts on the chat list to iPhone users on the beta channel. Still in development, the feature gives users an idea of which contacts are more likely to reply to a message immediately. WhatsApp has not rolled out the feature to everyone; only the beta users on iOS have access to it currently.

WhatsApp new feature

According to WABetaInfo, a new section has started appearing in the “New Chat” list for iOS TestFlight users, showing them the contacts recently online. The feature was previously spotted on Android, but it was accessible by only a few users on the beta programme. The report said the WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.9.10.71 update brings the feature, matching the number of features its Android counterpart currently offers.

The screenshot shows the “Recently online” list will be available just below the options that let you create a new group, create a new chat with a contact, start a new community, and begin a new broadcast list. All the contacts, categorised alphabetically, are available below the “Recently online” list in the screenshot. While the feature does not tell the exact time someone was last online, it does give users a hint at who will be more likely to respond to a message immediately, especially in an emergency.

Last seen feature to still work

The report has noted that a full online status activity will not be available because the feature is designed to give “a general overview of activity rather than a real-time status update for all contacts.” WhatsApp already allows you to show online activity to your contacts under the Privacy settings, which will continue to work without overlapping with the new “Recently online” feature. You can initiate a new chat or call with the help of the list, the report said.

WhatsApp TestFlight app users can now access the feature, but it will be available to more users “over the coming weeks.”