WhatsApp added a "Mentions and replies" filter that shows unread group chats where someone mentioned you or replied to you, including @all messages. It is one of four group chat updates announced Oct. 29. WhatsApp hasn't said when it reaches everyone.
What is new
In its WhatsApp Blog post, the company describes the filter as "a new chat filter that shows every unread group conversation where you were either mentioned or received a direct reply, including @all messages, so you can quickly catch up on the chats most relevant to you."
Three more changes came with it:
- Longer pinning: "You now have the option to keep important messages pinned forever, if you don't want to choose a time limit up front."
- History for new members: you could already choose to send recent messages when adding someone to a group. Now you can send them after the person has joined, "just by tapping their name in the chat." WhatsApp says those messages stay end-to-end encrypted.
- Group status: "Everyone in the group can view, react, and add their own status," and "they disappear after 24 hours," like regular statuses.
What this means for you
- Busy groups get easier to follow: the filter pulls out the groups where you were pinged, so you can skip the rest.
- New members can catch up later: if you forgot to send history when you added someone, you can still do it.
- Group status is shared: everyone in that group can view, react and add their own status.
- Not guaranteed on your phone yet: the post gives no rollout date or list of platforms. Check for a WhatsApp update and look for the filter in your chat list.
Related
For another recent WhatsApp change, see WhatsApp is testing scheduled messages on Android. To see how calls work without an account, read WhatsApp lets anyone join a call without an account. More is in Mobile.
