WhatsApp is working on a feature that will fundamentally change how users connect. Traditionally, WhatsApp has relied on contact numbers as its core requirement. However, according to a WABetaInfo report, this is set to change. WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will allow users to create unique usernames for their profiles, enabling them to chat without exchanging phone numbers. Initially, this feature will be available only to WhatsApp Web users.
How Will It Work?
Similar to other social media platforms, WhatsApp plans to introduce unique usernames. Users will be able to select a desired username, provided it is not already taken, in a future update. Unlike platforms such as Discord, WhatsApp usernames will be unique and will not include any additional discriminators or tags, ensuring that each username is one-of-a-kind.
During setup, users can choose a unique username that will serve as their distinctive identifier. This feature aims to enhance privacy and simplify the process of connecting with others. Even if a user sets a username, their existing contacts, who have their phone number, will still be able to find and contact them on WhatsApp. This ensures continuity while adding an extra layer of privacy. Only those who know either the username or phone number will be able to initiate conversations, giving users more control over who can contact them and protecting their personal information.
WhatsApp has been discussing this feature for some time, and it is still under development. Specific details about the release date and availability remain uncertain. The feature is undergoing rigorous testing and refinement to ensure a seamless, secure, and error-free experience that meets the high standards of WhatsApp’s users. As a result, the exact timeline for the feature rollout is still under wraps.
