WhatsApp is working to extend its cross-device functionality to allow users to access the instant messaging app on multiple Android and iOS based devices. Right now, the feature is working in beta as a signup offer designed for WhatsApp on the web, desktop, and Facebook portal. It allows users to access WhatsApp on secondary devices even when their phones do not have active internet access. WhatsApp may initially look for Android and iPad tablets as potential next devices to expand multi-device support. However, we can also see Android and iOS based mobile devices getting its access to allow you to use a single WhatsApp account on multiple phones.

According to a report by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is currently testing an update to its existing multi-device functionality – Multi-Device 2.0 – to bring it to Android and iOS devices. A screenshot has also been shared by the source to reference the development. It suggests downloading WhatsApp messages on mobile devices.

WhatsApp appears to be testing extended cross-device functionality on iOS
Photo credit: WABetaInfo

WABetaInfo reports that the secondary mobile device would be able to download all existing messages from the server when a user opens WhatsApp on that device for the first time. The entire chat history appears to be end-to-end encrypted.

In July, WhatsApp officially began testing its cross-device functionality in beta for people using the messaging app on their desktop, web browser, and the Facebook portal. It offered users the option of continuing to access their WhatsApp conversations on up to four of these secondary devices simultaneously, without ensuring that their phone has active internet access or is nearby.

The initial rollout, however, was missed by a large portion of users who want to access the messaging app on multiple mobile devices. WhatsApp could possibly reach them by providing its multi-device functionality for Android and iOS devices in the future.

WABetaInfo notes in its report that the extended cross-device functionality is currently under development on a beta version of WhatsApp for iOS, although the Facebook-owned messaging app also works on its Android version.

WhatsApp may initially reserve the new multi-device update for Android and iPad tablets. It is, however, likely to be available for users on Android phones and iPhone in the future to allow people to access a single WhatsApp account on their primary and secondary mobile devices.

In addition to multi-device 2.0, WhatsApp is working on an improved voicemail experience by introducing a point on available waveforms before sending voicemail messages to allow users to search for the audio clip. It appears on WhatsApp for Android Beta 2.21.20.6, although some users of Beta 2.21.20.3 have also received this experience, WABetaInfo reports.

WhatsApp can introduce option to search for audio in voicemail messages using dot on waveforms
Photo credit: WABetaInfo

WABetaInfo also shared a reference on the placement of underdeveloped reactions on WhatsApp for Android beta 2.21.20.8. Reactions to messages appear to be available just below the message bubble. However, beta testers have yet to see the change.