WhatsApp had announced various features for its messaging service such as Communities and reactions. While reactions rolled out to Android users, iPhone users were left in the lurch. Now, the feature is finally coming to iOS beta testers. WABetaInfo reports that the beta version 22.9.0.71 of WhatsApp will include the reactions feature.
However, the new functionality will only be available to a lucky few at first. To check if you have the feature, just tap and hold a message bubble to see if a reaction tray pops up. WhatsApp will be slowly rolling out the feature to include more beta testers in the coming weeks.
The first iteration of message reactions includes the following six emojis—👍❤️😂😮😢🙏. Future updates will include even more emoji reactions.
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Get the latest technology news, reviews, and opinions on tech products right into your inboxThe new feature will allow you to react to messages via emojis by long-pressing a message which will open a tray containing six emojis. You can then select one of those emojis and the app will add that to your message as your reaction. Instagram has a similar feature, albeit with more emoji options to choose from. Do note that this feature is under development on WhatsApp beta for Android.
Additionally, the publication says that WhatsApp beta for iOS 22.6.0.70 update will introduce a group polling feature. It will allow you to add polls in your group chats. It explains how the functionality will work:
If you haven’t voted a poll yet, you can choose the option to vote. When you press “Vote”, your selected option will be shared with other participants of the group. Note that group polls, their options, and your answer, are end-to-end encrypted, so nobody can see the content of the poll, not even WhatsApp.
What do you think of the new emoji reactions feature? Let us know in the comments.
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