WhatsApp is Working on a New Contacts Hub That Shows Who’s Online Instantly

WhatsApp is developing a new contacts hub for iPhone users that will make it much easier to check who is online or recently active without opening multiple chats one by one. The feature appeared in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.20.10.70, and it gives a clearer look at how WhatsApp plans to simplify contact availability inside the app.



According to reports, the new section will appear inside WhatsApp Settings, just below the user’s profile area. The hub will place favorite contacts at the top, followed by contacts who are currently online and people who were active recently. Users will also see a green dot next to contacts who are actively using WhatsApp.



WABetaInfo shared details about the feature and explained how it improves the current experience.




“This feature will allow users to see which contacts are currently active on WhatsApp without opening their conversations.”




Right now, users need to open individual chats to check whether someone is online or when they were last active. That process becomes frustrating when someone wants to quickly find available contacts for a conversation.



WhatsApp plans to add search and sorting tools







The upcoming contacts hub also includes a search bar, manual phone number entry, QR code support, and tools to manage favorite contacts. Users will also get the option to sort contacts alphabetically instead of relying on online activity.



WhatsApp will still follow existing privacy settings, so users who hide their online or last seen status will not appear inside the hub.




“Visibility in the contacts hub will always depend on privacy settings.”




The feature remains under development, and WhatsApp has not shared a release timeline for beta testers or stable users yet.