WhatsApp is constantly adding new features to its platform, and in addition to the recently added features such as Private Audience Selector, Status Reactions, Voice Status, and Link Previews Status updates, the latest feature could be self-destructing group chats.
The meta-owned instant messaging platform is reportedly working on a new feature called “Expiring Groups,” through the latest TestFlight beta update for WhatsApp on iPhone (v2.23.5.71) according to WaBetaInfo. The feature will give users the ability to set an expiration date for their groups and once the expiration date is reached, the feature dissolves the group thus helping users maintain a clutter-free messaging experience.
While WhatsApp already has several self-destructing messaging options, including disappearing messages and view-once media, the expiring group feature which is currently under development will be a great addition to the platform.
The feature will give users the option to self-destruct the group in a day, a week, or on a custom expiration date and an option to remove the predetermined expiration date is also provided. However, the group will not disappear entirely, but participants will be “prompted to clean up groups on the expiration date.” Although it’s currently unclear what that means and exactly how Expiring Groups will work.
This feature will be useful in situations such as event organization or group travel plans, where users may need to create temporary groups for a specific purpose.
At the moment of this reporting, the expiring groups’ feature is only available for testing on iOS through the TestFlight beta update. It is unclear when the feature will be available on Android, but it is expected to be rolled out soon.
