Last month, WABetaInfo shared that WhatsApp is working on a feature that makes new messages disappear after they are read for iPhone users. And it is now reported that a view-once text message feature is under development for iPhone.
WhatsApp is working on a view-once text messages feature for iOS
In the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.24.10.16 update available on TestFlight, a new feature was discovered that lets users share text messages with the view-once option.
How do view-once text messages work?
It is revealed that after typing a message in the chat bar, users will be able to set the view-once option by long-pressing the Send button. A dropdown menu with the option “Send as view once” will appear. Once sent, the recipient can open the message once before it becomes inaccessible. The recipient will not be able to copy, forward, or share the message after receiving it.
WhatsApp will reportedly block screenshots and screen recordings to prevent the content from being saved. The feature will be available in both individual chats and groups, but not in channels. This feature will give users more control over their privacy.
The view-once option for text messages is not enabled for beta testers yet, though it is expected to be made available in a future update for iOS beta testers. At the beginning of this month, it was reported that a similar feature was spotted for Android as well.
