One of the main blocks to switching OSes is being removed with the chat transfer feature

While WhatsApp had already introduced the functionality to help transfer your chat backup from iOS to Android, the instant messaging app is now geared towards helping transfers in the opposite direction as well.

The inability to safely move one’s chats between platforms is one of the main hurdles that prevents people from switching their operating systems. There are various third-party options available to allow people to transfer their data from Android to iOS devices, but those services are either paid or unreliable.

Based on a leaked report from WABetaInfo, it says that WhatsApp is working on bringing the ability to transfer chat history from iOS to Android 12, and vice versa. A leaked screenshot of the latest beta version of WhatsApp shows a data import process from Android to iPhone. The report says that WhatsApp is working on the feature and may roll it out soon. However, there’s no set date for the rollout yet.

The feature was first spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta version 22.2.74 for iOS, and appears to corroborate WABetaInfo’s previous discovery in beta version 2.21.20.11 for Android. Both updates point towards a feature that may let you transfer your WhatsApp chats from Android to iOS using the Move to iOS app.

Another beta feature set for release includes reactions through emojis, which have become common on most messaging apps, such as Facebook and Instagram, along with Apple’s own iMessage service. According to reports, WhatsApp would join its Meta-owned sister companies in offering this functionality.

It would allow a single reaction to a message, wherein users can select from one of six emojis. The emojis would be “Like,” “Love,” “Laugh,” “Suprised,” “Sad,” and “Thanks.”

This is similar to the way Instagram handles reactions, but the photo-sharing app does allow users to customize the emojis offered in reaction, as well as change the default ‘double tap’ reaction in messages.

WhatsApp has also started to roll out a global voice notes feature to iPhone users in the program which would allow the voice note to continue playing even after the user exits the chat. Currently, the voice note stops if the user switches to a different chat or replies to a pop-up notification.