WhatsApp is rolling out a series of updates in 2026, including a redesigned chat interface, new customisation options and additional messaging features for users. Picture Credit:wisdomplexus.com
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, has introduced several new updates in 2026, including enhanced safety settings, a redesigned chat interface, and a range of artificial intelligence (AI) features aimed at improving the overall messaging experience.
The messaging platform remains the most widely used instant messaging service in South Africa. Although the country’s user base is smaller compared to markets such as India, WhatsApp continues to be the primary communication tool for many local smartphone users.
Data-based messaging has become extremely popular because it is easy to use, cheaper than traditional SMS, and offers more advanced features such as media sharing, group chats and voice notes.
Local mobile networks have also contributed to the platform’s popularity by offering low-cost data bundles dedicated specifically to WhatsApp usage.
According to global digital insights platform DataReportal, WhatsApp had firmly established itself as South Africa’s leading messaging service by 2025, with roughly 94% of the country’s internet users active on the platform.
Research by analytics firm Yazi produced similar results, estimating that WhatsApp usage among internet users in South Africa stood at around 93.9% by late 2025.
Yazi’s analysis also indicated that between 28 and 29 million people in the country were using the messaging service by the end of 2025. With internet penetration estimated at roughly 74.5%, WhatsApp usage across the total population was believed to range between 45% and 50%.
“South Africa has one of the highest WhatsApp penetration rates in Africa, making it a primary communication tool for businesses and individuals alike,” Yazi noted.
Meta’s development teams continue to roll out regular updates to improve the app and address common user issues. Many of these changes are tracked by WABetaInfo, a publication that monitors upcoming WhatsApp features and beta developments.
According to WABetaInfo, several new features and quality-of-life improvements have already begun rolling out in early 2026, while others remain under development.
User interface updates and quality-of-life changes: One of the most noticeable updates is a redesigned look for chat message bubbles, giving conversations a more modern appearance.
“Message bubbles appear fully rounded, with a much higher corner radius than before. Images and videos are no longer enclosed with a traditional bubble frame,” WABetaInfo said.
Instead, photos and videos now appear as standalone bubbles, which makes conversations feel cleaner and more visually appealing.
WhatsApp is also introducing a redesigned search interface that allows users to locate messages using horizontally arranged filters rather than the previous vertical layout. The search tool will highlight recent searches, helping users quickly find chats and groups they recently looked for.
Another upcoming feature will allow users to receive status updates from phone numbers that are not saved in their contact list.
“If you have recently messaged or called someone, they can now include you in their personal audience, even if you have not saved them in your address book,” WABetaInfo explained.
However, the feature is designed with privacy in mind. WhatsApp will automatically stop sharing status updates with unsaved numbers if interactions between users are no longer recent.
For iOS users, the platform has also added smarter sticker suggestions. When typing the name of an emoji in the chat bar, WhatsApp will now display a preview of the first matching sticker.
Tapping the preview reveals a selection of third-party stickers, with an option to browse additional results if needed.
Another quality-of-life improvement under development will increase the number of chats users can pin at the top of their conversation list. Currently, WhatsApp allows users to pin three chats.
The new feature will allow up to 20 pinned chats, although it is expected to be limited to subscribers of a new premium offering.
New subscription plan on the way: WhatsApp is also preparing to introduce a subscription service called WhatsApp Plus, which is still under development.
The subscription is expected to provide several customisation features, including the ability to pin up to 20 conversations at the top of the Chats tab, helping users keep important discussions easily accessible.
Subscribers will also be able to choose from a larger selection of ringtones for incoming calls. These will appear in a dedicated section within WhatsApp’s notification settings.
Early reports suggest the subscription could initially include around 10 additional ringtones, although this number may change before the feature launches officially.
Users will be able to preview ringtones directly inside WhatsApp before selecting one.
“Playing the preview immediately within WhatsApp will make it easier and faster to compare options before selecting one,” WABetaInfo said.
In addition to ringtone options, WhatsApp Plus is expected to offer several visual customisation features. Subscribers may be able to choose from 14 different app icons and adjust the app’s accent colours from a list of 19 options.
The premium tier is also expected to include exclusive stickers, enhanced reactions, and new conversation effects designed to make chats more interactive.
