Whatsapp iOS beta adds update for message reactions

According to WABetaInfo, the 22.2.72 Update for iOS devices has been marked as a compatible update. However, it only contains the settings to manage reaction notifications. By design, the message reaction feature allows you to react to a message with a specific set of emojis to convey a particular emotion.

WhatsApp has been working on this feature for quite some time as evidenced by a September 2021 Report, which details how the update works. Users can only react to a message once and can choose from a total of six emojis. This range can be selected and changed through settings in WhatsApp’s extensive emoticon library, unlike Twitter’s DMs, which have a predefined list.

Settings for message reaction notifications in the iOS beta. (Image credit: WABetaInfo)

The next iOS update, however, for now will just let you manage reaction notifications via a toggle. Users can adjust the settings for reactions to individual and group messages, turn them off completely, or even change the sound played when receiving notifications.

“Unfortunately, it is still not possible to react to messages, but the fact that it is possible to manage these settings suggests that reactions to messages will be available very soon,” it reads.

Also, on the Android side, the company has added new drawing tools, starting with two new pencils for drawing on images or videos. The update is currently in development and when released may also introduce the ability to blur images.