New iOS Beta Shows Contact Activity with Profile Indicator
WhatsApp is experimenting with a new online status indicator for iPhone users, according to beta tracker WABetaInfo. The feature, currently available in iOS beta version 26.26.10.72, places a small green dot at the bottom-right corner of a contact’s profile photo whenever they are actively using the app. The dot disappears once the user goes offline.
WhatsApp Tests Green Dot for Real-Time Online Status
This addition builds on WhatsApp’s existing “last seen” function, offering a real-time availability signal similar to Instagram and Apple’s iMessage. At present, the indicator only appears on a contact’s information page, though it may later expand to the main chat screen for greater convenience.
WhatsApp confirmed that the feature will respect current privacy settings — users who hide their online status will not display the green dot. The test follows other experimental updates, including username support, view-once text messages, and enhanced privacy tools for Meta AI.
No official release date has been announced, but if testing is successful, the feature is expected to roll out on both iOS and Android in a future update.
