WhatsApp Tests Single Screen for Viewing Active Contacts

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that would let users see contacts’ active status from a single hub, with the redesign aimed at reducing the time spent searching for people across multiple chats. The update is designed for users who exchange messages frequently and need quicker access to recent activity. In the new layout, frequently contacted people would appear at the top of the screen, while contacts who are currently online and those who were active recently would be shown in separate lists. The feature would move active-status visibility away from the main chat view. The screen is expected to open through settings or a dedicated tab rather than the primary conversation interface. That setup would centralize contact status information without changing the app’s core chat experience. WhatsApp is also keeping its existing privacy rules in place, meaning online status will not be visible unless users grant permission. No official release date has been announced for when the feature will be made available to all users.