WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new feature for its Android and iOS applications that aims to simplify the process of copying specific segments of a message within a chat window. According to a feature tracker, users may soon have the ability to highlight and extract particular words or sentences from a message. This functionality was identified in a beta version of WhatsApp for both iOS and Android, and it is anticipated to remove the necessity of copying the entire text and subsequently deleting the extraneous parts. As indicated by the WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, Meta Platforms’ instant messaging application is working on this feature for inclusion in a future version of the app. It was reportedly found in WhatsApp Beta for iOS app version 25.16.81 and WhatsApp Beta for Android app version 2.25.18.3. Once implemented, it may enable users to extract a specific segment of the message rather than the whole text. The feature tracker indicates that users will be able to drag their finger across the message to highlight a particular phrase or sentence. Accompanying visuals suggest that a text highlight window will appear once a portion of the message is selected, providing options such as copy and share.
This selective copying will be permitted within the chat interface, enhancing the current functionality, according to WABetaInfo. At present, WhatsApp does not support the copying of specific text within a message. Users must copy the entire text, paste it into another field, and then remove the unnecessary portions before sending it. This process can be cumbersome, especially when dealing with larger texts. The feature currently under development by WhatsApp is expected to streamline this process, making it more efficient and user-friendly.WABetaInfo reports that the previously mentioned feature for both the Android and iOS versions of the instant messaging application is currently under development and is exclusively accessible to a select group of beta testers who have registered through Apple’s TestFlight program after the WhatsApp for iOS 25.16.81 update. In contrast, this feature is not available on Android, and even testers who are registered through the Google Play Beta program do not have access to it at this time. It is anticipated that the feature will be made available to a larger user base in the upcoming weeks.
