Highlights
- WhatsApp beta tests self-destructing audio messages, aiming for enhanced privacy.
- Feature extends the ‘View Once’ capability from images and videos to audio.
- Only select beta users have access to this feature.
WhatsApp is reportedly testing self-destructing audio messages, as part of its push to enhance user privacy.
The Meta-owned platform has previously revealed self-destruct messages a while back and it seems this new update is a continuation to that.
Redefining User Privacy
The new self-destructing audio messages feature can be considered an extension of WhatsApp’s existing ‘View Once’ capability for images and videos.
Similar to that, as per the report by WABetaInfo, very soon an audio message will also be able to vanish after the recipient has played it once.
Previously, audio messages had a more lasting presence; they would stay put unless manually deleted by the sender for everyone involved in the chat.
Beta Availability and Public Rollout
Currently, the feature is only available to users who have access to the latest WhatsApp beta version for both Android and iOS platforms.
As such it has not yet been rolled out to the stable channel for all WhatsApp users.
Those keen on trying the feature may find it challenging, especially on iOS, where entry to WhatsApp Beta is only possible through a TestFlight invitation, which is often hard to come by.
Increasing Privacy Measures
WhatsApp has taken considerable steps in recent years to up its privacy-first rhetoric.
Apart from just the ‘View Once’ feature, WhatsApp later implemented a feature that blocks screenshots and screen recordings.
Not to mention, all messages on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted as well.
It is reasonable to expect that similar measures will also be in place for self-destructing audio messages, preventing unauthorised downloads or recordings.
When Will The Feature Be Publicly Available?
While there is still no concrete timeline for the public rollout of self-destructing audio messages, its appearance in beta versions is a strong indicator that it may soon be made widely available, adding a fresh layer of privacy to our digital communications.
Branching Out to iPad
In more WhatsApp news, the messaging giant is also in the process of creating a dedicated app for the iPad.
Although still in beta, the iPad app will function similarly to its Mac counterpart, allowing users to sync their WhatsApp account from their phone to their tablet.
FAQs
What does the new self-destructing audio message feature do?
The feature allows users to send audio messages that automatically disappear after the recipient has listened to them, adding a layer of privacy.
Who has access to this feature right now?
Currently, only users with the latest WhatsApp beta version on Android and iOS can use this feature.
Is this feature similar to any existing WhatsApp feature?
Yes, it extends the ‘View Once’ feature, originally designed for images and videos, to audio messages.
Is there any information on when this will be available to all users?
As of now, there is no official timeline for its public release, but its beta testing suggests it could be rolled out soon.
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