WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will notify users when one of their contacts has a birthday. The feature was spotted by WABetaInfo in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.27.3 update on the Google Play Store.
The upcoming feature builds on the birth year information WhatsApp started collecting earlier for regulatory requirements. However, WhatsApp is now exploring ways to use birthday-related information beyond age verification by adding reminders inside the app.
A new birthday section is in development
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is creating a dedicated section where users will be able to see upcoming birthdays shared by their contacts. The section is expected to work as a central place for birthday reminders instead of relying on a separate calendar app or remembering dates manually.
When a contact’s birthday arrives, WhatsApp will show a notification inside the app. It could be useful for people who mainly rely on WhatsApp for staying in touch and often end up sending birthday messages there anyway.
However, birthday reminders will depend on whether contacts have shared their date of birth with WhatsApp. If someone has not provided birthday information, the app will not be able to show a reminder for that contact.
Privacy controls could arrive before launch
At the moment, WhatsApp has not added dedicated privacy settings for birthday sharing. Users currently do not have controls to decide whether their birthday should be visible to contacts or only used by WhatsApp for age verification.
Since the feature is still in early development, WhatsApp could add more privacy options before making it publicly available.
The birthday notification feature is currently being developed for a future Android update and is not available to beta testers yet. WhatsApp has not announced when the feature will roll out, but more details are expected as development continues.
Would you use birthday reminders inside WhatsApp? Let us know in the comments below.
