WhatsApp may soon allow users to choose their username

WhatsApp recently introduced a new reply bar feature to quickly reply to images, videos, and GIFs. Now, a report suggests that WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will enable users to configure their usernames.As reported by WABetaInfo, the Meta-owned app is in the process of developing a feature that allows users to set a username. The report adds that it will soon be possible to choose your WhatsApp username right within your profile settings as a new section dedicated to this feature will be introduced in this screen in a future update. Usernames on WhatsApp will accept alphanumeric characters and some special characters, but do not support discriminators: this means that usernames are unique on WhatsApp.It’s important to note that configuring a username is optional. Additionally, the phone number linked to an account initiating a chat using a username will always be kept private, provided that the individuals in the conversation are not already aware of each other’s phone numbers.“With usernames on WhatsApp, it will be possible to communicate with any user, whether they are an individual or a business, making it easier for users to connect with a diverse range of contacts. In our opinion, the introduction of usernames also aligns with their commitment to enhance privacy and security: by allowing users to communicate without revealing their phone numbers, they can finally maintain a higher level of confidentiality of their information when engaging with new contacts and group chats,” mentions the report. WhatsApp support for 18 smartphones ending on October 24The widely-used messaging platform announced its decision to cease service for specific Android and iPhone devices from the upcoming week. Commencing on October 24, 2023, WhatsApp will no longer support certain outdated smartphone models.“To keep up with the latest advances in technology, we routinely stop supporting older operating systems to point our resources to supporting the latest ones. If we stop supporting your operating system, you’ll be notified and reminded a few times to upgrade your device to continue using WhatsApp. We’ll also update this page regularly to ensure that the latest Android version we support is listed here,” added WhatsApp.