WhatsApp is testing an online contact indicator for iOS users to show when friends are active in real time. According to beta reports, a small green circle will appear on a contact’s profile photo to help people start instant conversations faster.
Meta has launched a fresh visual trial for iPhone owners to track active friends easily. Reports from platform testers indicate that WhatsApp is testing an online contact indicator for iOS users through the latest TestFlight beta version 26.26.10.72. The update replaces old text labels with a bright visual sign to show live availability.
Visual Tracker Respects Privacy Settings
According to technical details from beta trackers, the new feature places a bright green circle at the bottom-right corner of a contact’s avatar. The indicator runs in real time, meaning it appears when a friend opens the application and disappears immediately when they close it.
Tech experts noted that this update follows the same privacy settings as the traditional last seen tool. According to the company rules, if a user decides to hide their online status in their privacy menu, the green dot will not appear to anyone.
Limited Test Before Global Launch
Currently, the live tracker is only visible inside the contact information screen when a user clicks on a friend’s profile. According to researchers, the dot does not appear in the main chat list or inside regular text conversations yet.
According to market analysts, the tool aims to prepare users for an upcoming dedicated contacts hub that will list all active people together.
The feature is available only to select individuals via the TestFlight beta. Regular app users will receive the update automatically on the regular App Store once the trial phase ends successfully.
