WhatsApp is testing a new feature that could change how we perceive friend presence on the app. According to the latest findings from WaBetaInfo, the beta version for iPhone has started showing a green dot next to contacts' profile photos when they are active. The dot disappears as soon as the user leaves the app, updating in real time. This novelty was already spotted on the Android beta in June and now arrives on iOS, signaling that development is moving towards a stable release.
Green dot arrives on iOS after Android debut
The WhatsApp beta for iPhone has recently adopted the green dot, a small circular icon that appears on the profile photo when a contact is online. The same feature was introduced on the Android beta at the end of May. The green dot integrates with the familiar interface: a small green circle appears next to the contact's name and lights up when the user is active. This visual notification system is similar to that already used by other messaging platforms like Instagram and Facebook Messenger, but WhatsApp is customizing it to ensure a balance between transparency and privacy.
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Privacy and user control: the green dot does not reveal sensitive information
One of the main concerns when discussing presence indicators is privacy. WhatsApp seems to have thought about it: the green dot does not provide details about last seen or session duration. It only shows if the contact is momentarily active in the app. Moreover, the feature respects existing privacy settings: if a user has disabled read receipts or last seen, the green dot may not appear for them. This approach aligns with Meta's policies, aiming to protect users from potential abuses like digital stalking. It remains to be seen whether this attention to privacy will be enough to quiet the criticism received in the past for other similar Meta features.
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A useful tool to know when to contact a friend
The green dot could prove very practical for those who want to know if a contact is available for an immediate chat. Instead of sending a message and waiting for a reply, the user can see if the other person is active and therefore more likely to respond quickly. However, it might also increase social pressure to reply immediately, an aspect that WhatsApp will have to monitor. The feature is still in beta, so there may be changes before the official release. For those using VPNs and ad blockers, it is worth noting that these extensions could interfere with live event streaming, such as the 2026 World Cup, as explained in a previous article: VPN ad blockers freeze World Cup 2026 streams: how to fix the crash.
Comparison with other apps and possible future evolutions
The green dot for online status is a feature already present in apps like Telegram and Signal, albeit with different levels of detail. Telegram, for example, shows last seen with granularity, while Signal offers a real-time presence indicator. WhatsApp, with its green dot, seems to want to offer a middle ground: simple and immediate, but without excessive information. The introduction of the green dot could be a prelude to further real-time chat improvements, such as integration with other presence features. According to industry sources, the company is also working on an indicator for groups, but no official details are available yet. For more insights into messaging app developments, you can check the Wikipedia page on WhatsApp.
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Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/06/whatsapp-adds-green-dot-show-who-online
