WhatsApp preparing to introduce an in-app browser for iPhone users
Published 1 hour ago | By Nouman Shakeel
WhatsApp is working on a new feature for iPhone users that will allow links received in chats to be opened without leaving the app. Once this feature is enabled, users will no longer need to switch to Safari or any other default browser to view web pages.
WhatsApp first tested an in-app web browser for Android users in 2019. Last year, in the iPhone beta version 25.14.10.72, some users were also given the option to open links to business websites directly within the app.
However, at that time, using this feature required the website to use the HTTPS protocol and meet other technical criteria, which meant that many links could not be opened in this manner.
What will change with the new feature?
According to WABetaInfo, the company is now developing an in-app browser capable of opening a wider variety of links directly within WhatsApp. This feature has been spotted in the WhatsApp beta version 26.41.10.72, available via TestFlight for iPhone.
How will the in-app browser be enabled?
To use this feature, a new option labeled "In-App Browser" will be added to WhatsApp's settings. Upon enabling it for the first time, a message will appear at the bottom of the screen, informing the user that links will now open within WhatsApp instead of Safari or another default browser.
Users will not be required to use this feature permanently. They will be able to go into the settings at any time to disable this option and revert to opening links in their preferred default browser.
Currently, this feature is in the testing phase; therefore, information regarding its availability to all iPhone users or an official release date has not yet been announced.
