With a continued effort by the WhatsApp team, it is apparently working to refine its upcoming username-based search and calling features, with the latest iOS beta suggesting the update is nearing release. The new test version shows WhatsApp experimenting with displaying usernames when users search for unknown phone numbers, improving both clarity and privacy. This builds on earlier work toward allowing people to find and contact others using usernames instead of phone numbers. The feature remains in development and is expected to launch next year.
A blog post from feature tracker WABetaInfo reports that the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS (version 25.34.10.70) shows that Meta is working on a feature that displays usernames when users look up unfamiliar phone numbers. If the number is linked to an account, WhatsApp will show the associated username and certain profile details from database such as the profile photo based on the user’s privacy settings.
From the article, the phone number will remain visible on the chat info screen, but when users search by username, the associated phone number will be hidden to protect privacy.
WhatsApp is apparently working on improving the username display feature for searches using unknown numbers before releasing it next year. User-facing usernames are anticipated to be released later in 2026, according to WhatsApp’s formal announcement that business accounts must feature usernames and business-scoped IDs by June of that year.
WhatsApp now only displays the phone number and, if privacy settings allow it, the profile photo when users search for an unknown number. It is frequently challenging to determine who owns the number because the push name, which users select in their profile settings, is hidden unless there has been prior engagement.
WhatsApp’s future username system will show the linked username anytime a searched number matches an active account. The move is expected to make it easier to detect unknown connections and connect to the platform in a more obvious, natural manner. It can eliminate uncertainty, increase trust in unfamiliar messages or calls, and assist users in making a quicker decision about whether to respond.
The switch from phone numbers to usernames can have a major influence on user experience in the following ways like easily identify unknown contacts, prevention of spam and unrecognised communications from being answered, providing stronger privacy controls and enhancing the safety of calls and conversations.
Although the feature is still in development phase, the firm has stated that it would be the biggest update to WhatsApp since multi-device support.
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