WhatsApp has a big update in store for its iPhone users, rolling out version 2.18.90 of the app to the App Store. The official changelog mentions two changes, but there are a couple of others which were picked up by WABetaInfo.
Officially, WhatsApp for iOS version 2.18.90 introduces Notification Extensions and Status search. The former lets you 3D Touch or swipe left on notifications to view incoming media right inside the notification window. You’d have to open the app to see photos, GIFs, or videos before, but not anymore.
It should be noted that Notification Extensions is only compatible with iPhones running iOS 10 and above. As for Status search, it simply allows you to look for specific status updates. It saves you the trouble of hunting for one specific person’s status.
WhatsApp Suspicious Link
The other, unmentioned change is a new Suspicious Link tool. It was first spotted in the WhatsApp for Android beta back in July. Like its name suggests, the feature scans messages with a link to see if there’s anything malicious going on.
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Attackers typically disguise their websites by using special characters that resemble actual sites, fooling people into thinking they’re going to a legitimate page. As per WhatsApp’s FAQ page, the brand says it goes through links at a local level, so no data is read on its end and the chat remains end-to-end encrypted.
If you ignore WhatsApp’s warning and click the link anyway, a pop-up will appear asking you to reconsider. You can either go ahead or cancel. The update also adds Wallet support to the app, so you can keep all your passes in one place.
WABetaInfo claims that WhatsApp for iPhone version 2.18.90 is only compatible with iOS 8 and above. This means that any devices still running on iOS 7 like the iPhone 4S/5/5S can’t upgrade to this build. iOS 7 support will continue till 1 February 2020, after which they’ll have no choice but to convert to the latest iOS version.
You can download WhatsApp for iOS via the App Store.