Since the last few weeks, we haven't seen anything new developments on WhatsApp which is quite surprising. However, the Facebook-owned company has pushed a new update to its iOS users which bumps the version number to 2.18.90. It brings various new features including the latest ones suspicious link detection, notification extension, status updates searching and some minor changes. The update is already live on Apple App Store, but some features such as the notification extension will be enabled server-side, so it might take some time to reach your device. The major change introduced with WhatsApp 2.18.90 is the version is only compatible with iOS 8.0 and never. Having said that, Apple still supports iOS 7 devices such as the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 and iPhone 5, but users have to settle down with the last version- 2.18.81. And this version will work until February 1, 2020. It's unknown whether WhatsApp will rollout bug-fixing updates or not.
Suspicious Link Detection
WhatsApp has finally rolled out the suspicious link detection feature for iOS users after Android users having it for nearly two months. For the unaware, this feature scans for links in the incoming messages and if it detects anything suspicious in that URL, it will alert the user. Still, if a user tries to open the link, it will give a warning that the URL might not be a safe one to open. WhatsApp reduced this feature to create awareness among users on the fake sale alerts.
Notification Extension Feature
One of the best features introduced by WhatsApp for iOS users. Apple users running iOS 10 or newer version will now be able to view images of GIFs right from the notification panel itself. Assume you've received an image, but you're in some busy schedule and can't open the message; With the notification extension feature, you can extend the notification by pinching in on the message and see the image. In addition, if you don't have the auto-download feature enabled, the notification extension feature will give an option to download the image or GIF to view.
Having said that, according to WABetaInfo, the notification extension feature rollout is very slow and it might take some time to reach your device.
Status Search
Another useful feature added by WhatsApp is the ability to search for statuses. If your timeline is filled with people who post a lot of stories and if you find it difficult to find out a person's statuses, you can now search them for quick access.
Lastly, WhatsApp has added Wallet support on the iOS platform, which allows users to make payments within the app itself.
