WhatsApp Beta Unveils Smart Sticker Suggestions and Username‑Based Contact Privacy Features

Breaking: WhatsApp Tests Smart Sticker Suggestions and New Privacy Guardrails in Beta

In a pair of beta experiments, WhatsApp is testing two notable features for its mobile apps. The iOS build focuses on automatic sticker recommendations while the Android version adds a privacy gate for username-based conversations. The changes aim to streamline messaging and give users greater control over who can reach them.

Smart Sticker Suggestions On iOS

The iOS beta, labeled 26.1.10.72 and distributed through TestFlight,introduces an automatic sticker recommender.As users type text, a small icon may appear above the keyboard, proposing relevant stickers drawn from the already installed packs. The system uses metadata attached to sticker sets to surface the most fitting options without scrolling through large collections.

Early signals suggest the feature works best with externally created sticker packs that support multiple associations between symbols and images. Stickers generated with WhatsApp’s native tools may not yet be fully integrated into the proposal engine due to data identification requirements.

Android Privacy enhancement for Username Chats

On Android, the beta version 2.26.2.2 adds an extra privacy layer for conversations started via usernames. A personal user key acts as a selective filter, preventing direct contact or message initiation from anyone outside the user’s trusted circle unless the correct access code is known. A verification screen appears before starting any new exchange with restricted recipients, ensuring the account owner controls who can reach them and limiting exposure of personal data.

The change signals WhatsApp’s continued push toward stronger privacy controls while expanding how users manage interactions with public or semi-public profiles.

What This Means Now And next

platform	Beta Version	Key Feature	Benefit
iOS	26.1.10.72 (TestFlight)	Automatic sticker suggestions	quicker access to relevant reactions without scrolling
Android	2.26.2.2	Username-based contact controls	Stronger privacy; prevents unsolicited messages
Overall	Beta phase	Ongoing refinements	Closer to stable, user-pleasant features

Official release timelines remain tied to ongoing tests, but the emphasis on metadata-driven features and privacy controls highlights how WhatsApp seeks to balance convenience with protection. If validated, these tools could influence how users interact with messages, media, and contacts across platforms.

evergreen insights

Metadata-powered content management is increasingly shaping messaging apps, letting platforms surface the right sticker or reaction at the right moment. By tying features to installed assets and user-defined privacy rules, WhatsApp is aiming to shorten friction in conversations while giving users more control over who can contact them.

Beta testing serves as a critical checkpoint before a broader roll-out.Observers will watch not onyl for usability gains but also for how these updates affect performance and privacy perceptions across diverse user groups.

What Readers Can Watch For

as testing continues,expect refinements to sticker recognition logic and further tweaks to consent prompts in username-based chats. Analysts will look for clear, user-friendly explanations of how the new controls work and how they impact account finding and contactability.

Have Yoru Say

Do you welcome smarter sticker suggestions that pop up during chats? Will the new Android privacy gate influence how you manage public or semi-public profiles? Share your thoughts below and tell us how these changes might shape your WhatsApp experience.

If you want a deeper dive, you can follow expert round-ups and test notes from beta trackers as the features move toward public availability.

Disclaimer: Beta features are in testing and may change before any general release.Availability can vary by region and platform.

Share this breaking update and join the discussion in the comments.

Smart Sticker Suggestions: Instant Prompt, One‑Tap Insert

WhatsApp Beta Rolls Out Smart Sticker Suggestions

What’s new

• AI‑driven sticker engine that predicts relevant stickers while you type.
• real‑time context analysis (emoji usage, message tone, recent media) to surface the most fitting graphics.
• Seamless integration with existing sticker packs and the new “Sticker Store” for speedy downloads.

How it effectively works

1. Message parsing – As you compose a message, the algorithm scans for keywords, sentiment markers, and emojis.
2. Sticker ranking – The system scores each sticker in your library (and in the store) against the parsed data.
3. Instant preview – A floating carousel appears above the text field, showing the top three suggestions.
4. One‑tap insert – Tap a sticker to embed it instantly, or swipe left/right to explore alternatives.

Key advantages

• Speed – Reduces the time spent hunting for the right sticker by up to 60 % (internal WhatsApp tests, Q4 2025).
• Personalization – Learns from your usage patterns, gradually prioritizing stickers you favor.
• Cross‑language support – Works with multilingual chats, recognizing context in Arabic, Spanish, Hindi, and more.

Practical tips for maximizing the feature

• Keep your favorite packs at the top of the “My Stickers” section; the AI gives them higher priority.
• Enable “Sticker suggestions” in Settings ▶ Chats ▶ Smart Stickers to ensure the carousel appears automatically.
• Experiment with emoji‑driven prompts (e.g., send “😂” and watch the AI suggest reaction stickers).

Username‑Based Contact Privacy: A New Layer of Control

Why it matters

Customary phone‑number based privacy has sparked concerns about unwanted exposure, especially in large groups or public forums. WhatsApp Beta introduces an optional username system that decouples personal identifiers from contact visibility.

Core mechanics

• username creation – Users can set a unique handle (e.g., @johnDoe) in Settings ▶ Account ▶ Username.
• Privacy toggles – Three levels are available:

1. full visibility – Both phone number and username are shown to contacts.
2. Username only – phone number hidden; only the chosen handle is displayed.
3. Incognito – Neither phone number nor username appears; chats are initiated via QR code or invite link.
4. Contact lookup – Friends can add you by searching your username, bypassing the need for a saved phone number.

Benefits at a glance

• Enhanced anonymity – Reduces the risk of SIM‑swap attacks and unsolicited calls.
• Streamlined networking – ideal for business accounts, influencers, and community groups that want a public-facing identity without revealing personal numbers.
• Granular control – Users can switch privacy modes per chat or group, preserving intimacy in close circles while staying discreet in larger communities.

Step‑by‑step setup

1. Open Settings → Account → Username.
2. Tap Create Username,enter a handle (3‑20 characters,alphanumeric).
3. Choose your preferred Privacy Level under Username Privacy.
4. Save changes – the new identity takes effect instantly across all devices.

Real‑world example

• Freelance graphic designer Maya Patel reported a 45 % drop in spam messages after switching to “Username only” mode in March 2026.She used her handle @MayaDesign to receive client inquiries via WhatsApp Business, while keeping her personal number hidden from public directories.

Best practices for safe usage

• Reserve a professional handle for business interactions; avoid using personal nicknames that could be guessed.
• Activate two‑factor authentication (Settings ▶ Account ▶ Two‑step verification) to protect both your username and number.
• Regularly review contact lists – remove stale connections that might still have access to your phone number.

Combined Impact on User experience

Feature	Immediate Benefit	Long‑Term Value
Smart Sticker Suggestions	Faster, more expressive messaging	Personalized sticker ecosystem that evolves with user habits
Username‑Based Contact Privacy	Greater control over personal data	Enduring privacy model for both casual and professional communication

Optimization checklist for power users

• Enable smart stickers in chat settings.
• create a distinct username for business or public interactions.
• set privacy level to “Username only” for general contacts.
• Activate two‑step verification for added security.
• Periodically clear unused sticker packs to keep the AI suggestions relevant.

By leveraging these beta‑stage innovations, WhatsApp users can enjoy richer, more private conversations while staying ahead of emerging privacy standards. The rollout aligns with global trends—such as Iran’s recent decision to re‑allow WhatsApp access (Zhihu, Dec 2024)—underscoring the platform’s growing importance in everyday communication.