WhatsApp is testing threaded message replies in iOS beta: What is the feature and how does it improve group chats

WhatsApp

WhatsApp has rolled out a new beta update for iOS through the TestFlight program, bringing the app to version 25.19.10.80. While the update doesn’t introduce any visible changes yet, it reveals that WhatsApp is working on a new feature aimed at organizing conversations more effectively — threaded message replies.

The upcoming threaded replies feature will allow users to respond to a specific message in a conversation and view all related responses grouped in a dedicated thread. This functionality is designed to make long or complex conversations, especially in group chats, easier to follow.

Each message that receives replies will display a small indicator on the message bubble, showing the number of responses that are part of its thread. Tapping this indicator will open a separate view where all related replies will be displayed in chronological order. Users will also be able to respond directly within the thread, keeping discussions organised and easier to track.

Currently, replies in WhatsApp show the quoted message above the new response, but they still appear in the main chat stream. This can quickly become cluttered in active group chats, making it hard to follow who responded to what — especially when several users reply to the same message at different times.

With the new threaded format, all related replies are bundled together under the original message. This improves readability and helps maintain context without requiring users to scroll through dozens of unrelated messages. It’s a system already used effectively on platforms like Slack, and WhatsApp’s adoption of it could significantly improve the user experience in larger groups or professional settings.

When will it be available?

The threaded message reply feature is still under development and not yet available to beta testers, even after installing the latest iOS beta update. WhatsApp has not announced a specific timeline for its release, but the feature is expected to arrive in a future update.