The way you use WhatsApp will change! Two accounts will be available on the same phone. Find out what's going to change

WhatsApp is constantly working on new features, but this update is perhaps its most sought-after yet. The company has quietly begun beta testing multi-account support for iPhone users. 

This feature was previously only speculated, but now it's about to become a reality. WhatsApp is also preparing another major change—a username system—that will expand app identification beyond phone numbers.

What is multi-account support and how will it work?

Previously, if someone wanted to use two numbers on WhatsApp, there wasn't an easy way to do it on iPhone. You had to either download the WhatsApp Business app or have a second device. 

But now WhatsApp has started adding an "Account List" section within the app. Some beta testers are seeing this section in Settings, while others are seeing a shortcut near the QR code icon.

When users tap this option, they can add a second WhatsApp account directly to the same phone. There's no need for a separate phone or business account. Just like Instagram, you can switch accounts with a single tap.

Two-account support - Limited for now

WhatsApp currently only supports two accounts. The second account can be a new number or an account previously logged in to another phone or WhatsApp Business. 

If your second account is active on another phone, you can link it to your iPhone by simply scanning a QR code. All chats, notifications, and settings will then sync automatically.

What makes this feature even more unique is that the two accounts will operate completely independently of each other. Each
account will have its own chat backup, notification tone, and settings. Even notifications will clearly indicate which account a message is from, so you don't accidentally reply to the wrong account.

WhatsApp Usernames - No longer relying solely on phone numbers,

WhatsApp is also rapidly working on a username feature. This means that in the future, people will be able to connect with you without even knowing your number. 

This will be similar to Telegram's identity system, but WhatsApp is strengthening it with its own security measures. This change is a major step towards completely upgrading WhatsApp's identity system.

When will all users get this feature?

WhatsApp hasn't officially announced a launch date yet, but the feature appears to be fairly stable in beta. This means the update could reach general users in the coming months. 

Since this is one of WhatsApp's biggest usability improvements, the company is thoroughly testing everything before rolling it out on a larger scale.

Why is this considered WhatsApp's most important update?

Multi-account support and usernames—both features—put WhatsApp in direct competition with Telegram and other messaging apps. 

Running two numbers on the same phone, without the need for a business app or other manipulation, is a significant change for users. The username feature, along with this, will give users greater freedom in privacy, identity, and connectivity.