There are plans to develop an innovative feature at WhatsApp, which can facilitate link browsing among iPhone users. Under this feature, users will be able to view websites through WhatsApp itself rather than having to access the websites via browsers like Safari, Chrome, and others.
WhatsApp Tests In-App Browser to Open Links on iPhone
As per the latest reports, the WhatsApp in-app browser is still under development. WABetaInfo spotted the feature in WhatsApp beta version 26.41.10.72 for iOS, available on Apple’s TestFlight platform. The feature is not yet functional, and WhatsApp has not announced a release date. This update could make it easier for users to share and open links while chatting.
How Will the WhatsApp In-App Browser Work?
WhatsApp is working on a new “In-app browser” feature that will let users open links directly within the app. Users will be able to turn on this setting if they want to browse websites without switching to another browser. When they enable the feature for the first time, WhatsApp will explain how it works and tell them that links can open inside the app. Meanwhile, WhatsApp Emoji Reactions on Apple Watch is another update users can follow for the latest WhatsApp features.
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This setting is not going to be permanent, and the user will always have an option to go back to his or her browser. The user will also be able to use the three-dot menu in order to open the link in another browser. The browser will operate in the separate window and will not affect the chat.
WhatsApp Plans to Support More Types of Links
This feature has been previously tested by WhatsApp on its iPhone app too. This was in the form of beta version 25.14.10.72 where a few people were able to access some particular business websites without exiting the application. Nonetheless, this old feature had some restrictions. The websites that could be accessed had some technical specifications such as the use of HTTPS connection.
HTTPS connection ensures the safety of the link between a user’s phone and a website. Since there were restrictions, a number of links in chat could not be opened within WhatsApp. Users had to open them outside the application in Safari or any other browser. The development of this new browser aims at eliminating this limitation.
Users Will Be Able to Clear Cookies and Cache
Moreover, the new browser is also going to provide settings for managing browsing data storage. Users will be able to delete the cookies and cache from websites visited through the app. Cookies are small files stored by websites on a device to remember settings and other information. A website’s cache saves parts of its pages so they can load faster on future visits. Similarly, WhatsApp Restricted Chats is a feature designed to help users keep selected conversations more private. As stated by WABetaInfo, the browsing data will be stored locally on the user’s device as Safari does. The report says that both WhatsApp and Apple will not be able to see which links were opened by users.
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When Will the New Browser Be Available?
The built-in browser for iPhone users in WhatsApp is currently under development. The feature is yet to be made available for testing, and WhatsApp has not announced any plans to launch the feature publicly.
The company might introduce the feature to some select beta users through some future update. However, until then, iPhone users will have to wait for an announcement. In case of a launch, the feature would allow opening links, managing browsing data, and getting back to the chats without going back and forth between apps.
