WhatsApp is testing a major interface change that will bring Status updates directly into the Chats tab, making the feature more prominent within the messaging app. According to reports from WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta builds on both iOS and Android include references to this upcoming change, though it's not yet accessible to users.

Currently, WhatsApp Status updates live in a separate Updates tab, unlike Instagram Stories which appear prominently at the top of the main feed. The new design will display a carousel of Status updates from contacts at the top of the Chats tab, similar to how Stories work in other social apps. However, unlike Instagram, users will need to pull down from the top of their chat list to reveal the Status tray, following Telegram's Stories implementation.

The Status carousel will rank updates based on contact relevance, prioritizing people users interact with most frequently. At the end of the tray, there will be an option to view hidden status updates from muted contacts. Like Instagram Stories, WhatsApp Status updates will disappear after 24 hours and include creative tools for adding stickers, music, and effects. While there's no official release timeline, Meta's inclusion of references in both platform builds suggests the feature could roll out soon.