WhatsApp reported to work on a centralised interface for iOS; Allows to see who is online and who was active recently

In March, it was reported that WhatsApp had rolled out a beta update 2.26.13.1.3 for Android users that allows users to see which contacts are currently active on WhatsApp without opening their conversations.

Folks at WABetaInfo have now revealed that the latest WhatsApp beta for iPhone includes references to a new contacts hub that will make it easier to see who is online and who was active recently. Though WhatsApp only lets users see someone else’s online status if they also make their own online status visible.

Earlier, for users who kept their online status enabled, we still had to open each contact’s conversation individually and look at the top to check whether the contact was online or when they were last active.

As per the new report, WhatsApp will introduce a new Contacts section that will list those who have been recently online. It will be placed within the app settings, just below the profile photo. WhatsApp will also display up to 4 favourite contacts in this section.

Contacts who are currently online appear at the top of the list, and they are shown with a green dot on their profile picture. Below them, WhatsApp shows contacts who have been recently active in chronological order.

The Contacts hub will also offer users the ability to search for any contact through the search bar. They will also be able to add a phone number to their WhatsApp contacts manually or by scanning a QR code. Users can manage and update their Favourites from this section, while the contact list can be sorted by name instead of online status.

It is revealed that this feature isn’t currently available even to beta testers, but they were able to activate it.