WhatsApp iOS Beta Adds Status Chat Shortcut for Faster Replies

WhatsApp for iOS is testing a new Status Chat Shortcut feature that makes it easier for iPhone users to respond to people who view their updates. The feature is currently in beta and is available to select beta testers via the latest TestFlight beta program.

Currently, if an iOS user wants to message someone who has seen their Status, they need to exit the viewer list, search for their chat, and then type their message. With the new shortcut, they can simply tap a viewer’s name directly from the Status viewer list and jump straight into a conversation.

Although this feature may not seem groundbreaking, it’s still a meaningful improvement in usability. Status is often used for quick updates, subtle shoutouts, or personal broadcasts, and being able to follow up with a viewer instantly could make the feature feel far more interactive. Moreover, it aligns iOS with Android, where a similar shortcut has already been introduced.

As with most beta features, not every beta tester will have immediate access to this feature. According to WABetaInfo, the Status Chat Shortcut is rolling out gradually through the iOS beta channel, with a wider release expected in the coming weeks.

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First came the “Close Friends” status feature, and now the Status Chat Shortcut. Both highlight WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to make status updates more interactive and convenient. By eliminating unnecessary steps, the messaging giant is encouraging users to stay engaged within the app’s ecosystem.

There’s no word on when this feature will complete its beta testing phase and roll out for every WhatsApp user.

What do you think about WhatsApp’s new Status Chat Shortcut? Share your thoughts in the comments below.