WhatsApp is testing a new feature called View-Once disappearing messages on its iOS app, expanding on its existing testing on Android. This feature allows senders to set a timer for 5 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours after which messages will automatically disappear if read. If unread, they vanish after 24 hours.

The sender's device deletes messages after the selected time, while recipients see deletion after reading or 24 hours. WABetaInfo discovered this in iOS beta version 26.19.10.72, indicating a cross-platform rollout. Android users have seen similar testing, but iOS implementation adds new timer options. WhatsApp's focus on privacy features reflects growing demand for secure communication tools, though no public release timeline exists yet. The update could influence how users handle sensitive conversations by limiting message longevity.