WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will allow users to send text messages that can only be viewed once, expanding the existing system for photos, videos, and voice notes. According to WABetaInfo, the instant messaging company is testing the "Send as view once" option for text messages on iPhone. This innovation represents a significant step forward in protecting user privacy, enabling the sharing of sensitive information without leaving a permanent trace in the chat.
To activate the feature, users will type a message in the chat bar and then long-press the Send button. A contextual menu will appear with the new option. Once sent, the recipient can open and read the text only once; after reading, the message will automatically disappear from the conversation. WhatsApp will also block screenshots and screen recordings, preventing any form of content preservation. Additionally, copying, forwarding, or sharing the message will not be allowed.
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The feature, currently under development, will be available in both individual chats and groups, but not in channels, where ephemeral messages are unsuitable. At the same time, WhatsApp is also working on the Android version. According to WABetaInfo, many users will welcome this news, as they currently resort to a workaround: adding text to an image and sending it as view-once media.
An Ecosystem of Ephemeral Messages
This option follows another feature that appeared in beta a few weeks ago, which causes disappearing messages to vanish based on a countdown that starts only after they have been read. However, that feature has yet to roll out widely. The arrival of view-once text messages completes WhatsApp's ephemeral messaging ecosystem, giving users more granular control over their privacy. In a context where Silicon Valley prepares for the apocalypse and Europe watches, as explored in a recent article, data protection becomes increasingly crucial.
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It is important to note that, despite the implementation of these tools, instant messaging security also depends on the end user. It is essential to remember that even with view-once, the recipient could photograph the screen using another device. For complete protection, it is recommended to use only end-to-end encrypted messages and avoid sharing extremely sensitive information via chat.
This evolution of WhatsApp fits into the broader debate on digital privacy. According to a study by Pew Research Center, over 70% of smartphone users are concerned about data collection. The platforms' response, such as introducing view-once messages, attempts to address these anxieties, but not without criticism. Some experts argue that these measures offer only an illusion of privacy and that data remain vulnerable at the server level or through social engineering techniques.
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With this feature, WhatsApp continues to differentiate itself from competitors. While apps like Telegram have long offered self-destructing messages, view-once texts on WhatsApp could be a game-changer for millions of iPhone and Android users. The company has not yet announced an official release date, but the fact that it is already in testing on iOS suggests a rollout in the coming months.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/17/whatsapp-view-once-text-messages-iphone
