A dedicated Contacts tab is currently in development for WhatsApp on Android, aiming to provide users with a centralized hub to locate people, view real-time online status, and track upcoming birthdays. Identified within the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.40.3, the feature remains in the development phase and is not yet accessible to beta testers or the general public. This upcoming update is designed to elevate the visibility of contact management within the messaging platform.
This upcoming section appears to build upon WhatsApp’s previous implementations regarding online contact lists. Rather than housing the functionality within the settings menu, the platform is now building a distinct tab focused entirely on contacts and associated utilities.
New Tab Could Show Who is Online
Within the planned Contacts tab, a user’s WhatsApp contacts would be centralized, utilizing a green dot on profile pictures to highlight individuals who are active at that moment. Furthermore, users will have the ability to organize the roster either alphabetically or by activity level.
Choosing the activity filter places currently online contacts at the top of the list, succeeded by recently active individuals. Alternatively, the alphabetical sort organizes contacts strictly by name, irrespective of their real-time availability.
Testing for the green online indicator has already been underway by WhatsApp across both iOS and Android platforms. This visual cue indicates when someone is actively engaged on the app, though individuals who choose to conceal their online activity will remain hidden from the indicator.
Birthday Reminders Could Make an Appearance
Integration of birthday reminders is another capability slated for the Contacts tab. WhatsApp is reportedly engineering a tool that pulls birthday data directly from a user’s phone address book and presents it next to the respective contact.
When a birthday arrives, the application may display a cake emoji alongside a “Birthday today” label, allowing users to notice the occasion instantly without needing to consult an external calendar or address book app.
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Search, Invites and More Contact Tools
Search functionality is anticipated for the new tab, enabling users to look up contacts via username, phone number, or name. Additionally, it may feature a mechanism to invite individuals who have not yet joined WhatsApp. Plans also reportedly include a Meta AI shortcut alongside an “Invite a friend” section positioned at the base of the contact directory.
At present, the Contacts tab is still under construction. No official public rollout date has been declared by WhatsApp, and features identified during the development cycle are subject to modification or cancellation before release. Should it launch, the new layout promises to offer a streamlined approach for users to oversee their contacts while keeping track of user availability and significant milestones.
