WhatsApp for Android may get silent chat previews

WhatsApp for Android is testing, in beta code, a pop-up that would let users peek at a chat without opening it. iPhone users have had a similar option for a while.

What works in the beta build

Android Authority found code for the feature in WhatsApp for Android beta v2.26.44.12 and managed to switch it on before release. A long press on a conversation opens a floating card with the thread's newest messages. Beneath it sits a refreshed context menu with Pin chat, Archive chat, Mute notifications, Mark as unread and Delete chat.

In the team's tests, peeking this way sent no read receipt. Unlike the iOS version, the Android card scrolls. Older messages can be reviewed, and none is marked as read.

The gap with today's Android app

For now, holding a chat down only selects it, and a bar at the top shows pin, archive, mute and delete. The three-dot menu adds Mark as unread, Add to Favorites and Block. No option shows what is inside the conversation.

On iPhone, press and hold on a thread gives a pop-up of recent messages and no blue ticks. That window cannot scroll, so a long message or many messages cannot be fully read.

Why read receipts make this useful

WhatsApp has a global toggle for read receipts. It controls whether blue ticks are sent and received. Many people keep them off. Those who keep them on often want to learn more about a message without sending two blue ticks.

A notification gives a hint, but it is gone once swiped away and no help when messages pile up.

Where development stands

The preview is still under active development. Even public beta testers do not have it.

WhatsApp has given no official word on a stable release.

Our take

If the scrolling card ships as found, Android would get a more capable version than the iPhone has. A teardown shows only code. Features seen this way can change before launch or never arrive. A public beta rollout announced by WhatsApp would be the first firm sign.

Source: Android Authority