WhatsApp has started rolling out a new feature for iOS beta testers that lets users set a timer for their profile status. The option works similarly to what was recently released for Android users.
The update is available in version 25.23.10.78 of the iOS beta. It allows users to set an expiration timer for their “About” section. The preset durations range from 30 minutes to one day, and there is also a custom option that can go up to one month.
Once the timer ends, the status will disappear automatically. This makes it useful for short-term updates like letting people know you are in a meeting, busy, or traveling, without needing to remove it manually.
Contacts will see these temporary statuses directly in conversations. The status will appear at the top of the chat interface and also in the chat info screen. It will alternate with the “last seen” information. WhatsApp also allows adding emojis to these statuses for more personal expression.
Users can still edit, update, or delete the status anytime before the timer ends. The feature follows the user’s existing privacy settings, so statuses will only be visible to selected contacts. The expiration time is clearly shown in settings, and once a status disappears, it is saved privately in the user’s history.
Meta says the aim of this feature is to make profiles more timely and relevant by avoiding outdated information. Right now, it is available to some iOS beta testers and will expand to more users in the coming weeks. Once testing is complete, WhatsApp is expected to release it widely.
iOS users who want to try this early can join the WhatsApp beta through the TestFlight program.
