WhatsApp is developing view-once text messages for iPhone, expanding its existing ephemeral media feature to include written content. According to WABetaInfo, users will access the option by long-pressing the Send button after composing a message, allowing recipients to read it just once before it disappears permanently.

The feature blocks common preservation methods once opened. Recipients cannot copy, forward, or share these messages, and WhatsApp prevents screenshots and screen recordings to ensure content vanishes completely. This approach mirrors the app's existing view-once functionality for photos and videos.

Users currently rely on workarounds, adding text to images to achieve ephemeral messaging. The new capability builds on WhatsApp's recent read-triggered disappearing messages, which start their countdown only after being viewed rather than when sent. Both features reflect growing demand for temporary communication.

Development appears active for both iOS and Android platforms, though channels won't support the feature due to their broadcast nature. WhatsApp has not announced a release timeline for either platform.