Overview
- Reports published Oct. 18–20 show references and screenshots in an iOS TestFlight build indicating WhatsApp is developing an in-app browser that opens any link inside chat threads.
- The browser is optional and will be enabled by a new Settings > Chats > In-app browser toggle that shows an onboarding notice the first time it is turned on.
- WhatsApp’s design keeps browsing data local to the device and includes menu options to clear cookies, cache and other site data so users can manage stored information.
- WABetaInfo discovered the details in the TestFlight build and mainstream outlets corroborated the findings but the feature is not yet available to beta testers.
- The change expands last year’s limited support for HTTPS business links to all shared links and could reduce context switching for users while raising ordinary in-app browser privacy and security questions.