WhatsApp tests in-app browser for all chat links on iOS
Code in recent builds reveals plans to let iPhone users open any shared link inside the messaging app, expanding a limited business feature.
Key points
- WhatsApp is testing an in-app browser that handles all chat links on iOS.
- A new setting in Chats will let users toggle between the app and default browser.
- The feature is visible in TestFlight builds but not yet active for beta testers.
WhatsApp is developing an in-app browser feature for iPhone users that will allow them to open any link shared in chats directly within the app. According to a report by 9to5Mac, the messaging platform is expanding a capability previously limited to specific business websites. This change would shift how users interact with external content without leaving the messaging interface.
The functionality is currently embedded in the latest TestFlight build for iOS, as uncovered by the tracking site WABetaInfo. Although the feature is not yet available to active beta testers, code references and interface screenshots confirm the development. This marks a significant broadening from the limited support introduced last year, which only applied to certain HTTPS-secured business sites.
Feature Mechanics and Privacy
Users will control this behavior through a new "In-app browser" toggle located in the Settings menu under Chats. When enabled, this option allows links sent and received in conversations to open inside the WhatsApp interface rather than launching the device's default web browser. Upon first activation, the app will display a bottom sheet explaining the new workflow and confirming that users can revert to their default browser at any time.
Regarding data privacy, WABetaInfo notes that WhatsApp states it cannot see which links are shared in conversations or which ones individual users choose to open. This assertion addresses potential concerns about tracking user behavior across external websites through the embedded browser component. The specific technical implementation of this privacy claim remains detailed only in the vendor's reporting.
Availability and Timeline
There is currently no confirmed timeline for when this feature will become available to beta testers or the general public on iOS. As is typical with discoveries in TestFlight builds, the presence of code and UI elements does not guarantee immediate release. Last May, WABetaInfo first reported on the initial testing phase for the limited business link support, which included an option to open those specific links in the default browser via a three-dot menu.
The expansion to all links represents a broader integration of web browsing capabilities within the secure messaging environment. Users will need to manually enable the feature in settings; it will not automatically override default browser behaviors without explicit user consent. The transition from a niche business tool to a general utility suggests a strategic move to keep user attention within the app ecosystem.
What should you do?
Security professionals and users should monitor upcoming iOS updates for the appearance of this setting. Review privacy implications of using embedded browsers, which may have different tracking protections compared to standalone browsers. Be aware that disabling the feature in settings will restore the previous behavior of opening links in the default system browser.
What to do and how to stay safe: WhatsApp
- Check Settings > Chats in future iOS updates for the new in-app browser toggle.
- Review how embedded browsers handle cookies and tracking data compared to your default browser.
- Disable the feature if you prefer to use the security features of your standalone web browser.
- Monitor official WhatsApp announcements for confirmed release dates and detailed privacy documentation.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Will WhatsApp know which links I open in the new browser?
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp states it cannot see which links are shared or which ones users open.
When will this feature be available to all iPhone users?
There is currently no word on when the feature will be available to beta testers or the general public.
How do I turn off the in-app browser if I don't want it?
Users can restore the default browser at any time through the new option in Settings > Chats.
