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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Ciaran Daly & Lottie Gibbons

New WhatsApp update to change messages for iPhone users

WhatsApp has announced an exciting new update for Apple users.

After receiving messages on WhatsApp, users will soon be able to react to messages.

The update will mimic Facebook's messenger options and users will be able to manage notifications for message reactions so they appear on phone lock screens.

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Only iPhone and iPad users can currently receive the new features.

No date is confirmed for Android customers, reports the Daily Star.

The update is available now through WhatsApp's beta program, which anyone can sign up to.

This lets you test the latest experimental features for the app, including those which may never be released to the general public.

While the update gives you the ability to manage message reactions, it doesn't actually let you react to messages just yet.

WhatsApp insiders WABetaInfo said: "You are now able to manage when you should receive notifications for reactions, for individual chats and groups, and which tone to play when you receive those notifications.

"Unfortunately, it's still not possible to react to messages, but the fact it's possible to manage these settings suggests that message reactions will be available very soon."

How do I sign up for the WhatsApp beta?

To register for the new update and try it out before everyone else, follow these steps:

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots, then head to 'More Options'
  2. Tap Linked Devices
  3. Hit 'Multi-device beta'
  4. Tap 'Join beta'

Once you've joined the beta programme, you'll be able to try out every new version of WhatsApp before it is released to the general public.

Some of its features are experimental and will never see the light of day, so it's a good opportunity to try out some secret tech.

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