If you're enrolled in the WhatsApp Beta programme for Android, then by now you must've noticed that there will be at least one update every day and sometimes it's more than one. This itself states how actively WhatsApp is making changes to the application and is concentrating on adding new features. However, there's a piece of sad news for WhatsApp Android Beta users as the company has reportedly removed the ability to save profile pictures of others. For the unaware, WhatsApp allows its users to save profile pictures of their contacts, but the feature has now been removed. WhatsApp update tracking website WABetaInfo confirmed the removal of profile picture saving feature on Twitter. It's unknown why WhatsApp took this step, but it's one of the essential features on the instant messaging platform.
WhatsApp Removes Profile Picture Saving Feature
According to WABetaInfo, the feature has been removed in the recent Android Beta versions, but am personally using WhatsApp Beta on a OnePlus 7 Pro with version number- 2.19.143, and the feature is still present. However, some users on Twitter are complaining that the feature removal from older beta versions itself. Having said that, WABetaInfo states the feature has been removed officially from latest Android Beta versions and WhatsApp Business Beta for iOS 2.19.60.5. So, it's an official change from the company.
However, on the brighter side, users can still save the profile picture of a group, which is a good thing. WhatsApp removed this feature on the beta version of both Android and Business iOS, so if you want to enjoy the feature, all you've to do is to install the stable version as it might take another few weeks for the company to remove it from the stable version. That being said, you can always take a screenshot of the profile picture, which is the best alternative right now.
As noted, WhatsApp did not reveal the reason behind the removal of this feature. WhatsApp's parent company, Facebook, also implemented a similar feature, but it allows users to customise the same. For example, if you change the privacy setting to yourself, then even your friends will not be able to expand your profile picture, thus it restricts them from downloading.
Authentication Feature for WhatsApp Android Version Delayed
A few months ago, WhatsApp for iOS got the ability to secure the account using Touch ID or Face ID. It has been reported several times that the company is working on a similar feature for Android users as well. Even WABetaInfo confirmed that the feature had been developed entirely, but the company is not releasing it to the public. Even the Android Beta version did not receive the feature for some unknown reasons.
Currently, Android users are securing their WhatsApp account using the OEM's in-built app locker or by downloading third-party apps, but having the feature inside WhatsApp will remove the hassle of download another app.
