WhatsApp is working on a HUGE update that will let you message users without having their phone number

It’s the go-to messaging app for millions of people around the world, and now it seems WhatsApp is working on a huge update. 

The Meta-owned app is developing the ability to set up a WhatsApp username, according to leaker site, WABetaInfo. 

This could allow users to message people without having their phone number. 

‘WhatsApp users will have the opportunity to add another layer of privacy to their accounts,’ WABetaInfo wrote in a blog. 

‘Instead of relying solely on phone numbers to identify contacts, users will be able to opt for a unique and memorable username.’

The Meta-owned app is developing the ability to set up a WhatsApp username, according to leaker site WABetaInfo

WABetaInfo spotted the new feature in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15.    

‘Although this feature is currently in development and not yet visible, we have a sneak peek to share,’ it said, alongside a screenshot of the feature. 

The screenshot shows an option to add a unique username on the Profile page within the app’s settings. 

However, further details on how the feature will work remain unclear.   

‘Since this feature is still in development, it is too early to understand how usernames work on WhatsApp,’ WABetaInfo explained. 

‘They may allow users to communicate with businesses privately, thus safeguarding their phone numbers, or perhaps their usage will be even more extensive, allowing private communication with any user. 

‘Only time will provide us with further answers, but we are confident that they will revolutionize the way we communicate on WhatsApp in the future.’

While WhatsApp is yet to confirm the news, several excited users have already taken to Twitter to express their delight at the rumours. 

While WhatsApp is yet to confirm the news, several excited users have already taken to Twitter to express their delight at the rumours

‘Finally!!! It was time to read something like this and therefore the phone number can be hidden, honestly this is great!!!’ one user wrote. 

‘It’s great to avoid having to disclose phone numbers to communicate with strangers!’ another added. 

And one joked: ‘The fight for claiming username on WhatsApp is about to begin!’

The news comes shortly after WhatsApp launched an Edit button that allows you to amend messages up to 15 minutes after sending them. 

‘From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to bring you more control over your chats,’ WhatsApp said. 

To use the tool, long-press on a sent message and choose ‘Edit’ from the menu.

Edited messages will display ‘edited’ alongside them, so your friends will be aware of the correction, although they won’t be able to see the edit history. 

‘As with all personal messages, media and calls, your messages and the edits you make are protected by end-to-end encryption,’ WhatsApp added.