If you use WhatsApp on your iPhone, you might soon be able to tap on links and read them without leaving your conversation. The messaging platform is currently testing a built-in browser specifically for iOS devices. This upcoming change means you will not have to jump back and forth between your chats and Safari just to look at a webpage. It aims to make reading shared content much smoother.
Opening web links will stay completely inside the chat window
Earlier this year, the app allowed people to open specific business links right inside their messages. However, those websites had to meet strict security rules to work. Now, WhatsApp is testing a much broader version of this tool.
Recent beta test files reveal an option that handles any link you receive. When someone sends you an article or a funny website, tapping it will load the page right over your active chat. You can simply read what you need and swipe it away to get back to texting. If you still want to use your default browser, a menu option will let you push the page over to Safari or Chrome.
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A simple settings menu will give you control over browsing
You will need to turn this feature on yourself. The developers are adding a dedicated toggle in the main settings menu. When you switch it on for the first time, a small pop-up screen will explain how the tool works.
This menu also gives you basic tools to manage your digital footprint. You can clear your cache and delete cookies for the sites you visit through the messenger. It works a lot like a normal web browser, just hidden inside your daily texting app.
Your reading habits remain private and stored on your device
Privacy is always a big question when social apps add browsing tools. In this case, the app cannot see the links you share or the pages you open. The system stores all your browsing data locally on your phone.
Even Apple has no access to your in-app web history. The company has not set a public release date for this tool yet. Since it was just spotted in a developer testing build, it might take a few weeks or months before it reaches everyone.
Having a built-in browser saves time and keeps conversations flowing nicely. Until it officially arrives, you will just have to keep bouncing between your chat windows and your web browser of choice.
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