WhatsApp is testing a new feature that could make its chat list cleaner and easier to manage. The messaging platform is developing an “Offers & Updates” folder that will automatically move messages from large businesses out of the main chat list after a certain period.
The new WhatsApp feature aims to reduce clutter caused by promotional and service-related messages. These often come from banks, airlines, online stores, delivery companies, and other large businesses. Such messages may include transaction alerts, delivery updates, account notifications, and promotional offers.
The feature is currently in the testing phase and has not yet been released to all users.
Business Messages Will Move Automatically
According to the test, messages from large businesses will first appear in the main inbox.
After a fixed period, WhatsApp will automatically move those conversations to the new “Offers & Updates” folder.
The company is testing several time limits before messages are moved. The longest delay currently being tested is 24 hours.
Users will not be able to choose how long these chats remain in the main inbox. Instead, WhatsApp will use a preset delay during the testing phase.
This allows important business messages to stay visible for some time before they are moved into a separate folder.
The change is intended to help users focus on personal conversations while still keeping business notifications easy to find.
Users Can Disable the Feature
WhatsApp plans to give users the option to turn off the automatic business chat organization.
If users disable the feature, business conversations will continue to appear in the main chat list as they do today.
However, the company does not currently plan to let users set their own time limit before messages are moved.
Users will have only two choices. They can either use WhatsApp’s default timing or completely disable the feature.
Limited to Large Businesses
At this stage, the new folder will only organize messages from large businesses.
Personal chats and conversations with smaller businesses will continue to remain in the main inbox.
This means the feature is focused on reducing clutter from high-volume business accounts without affecting regular conversations.
WhatsApp has said it may expand the feature to include smaller businesses in the future. However, no official timeline has been announced.
Feature Still Under Development
The new folder is still being tested and is not yet available to everyone.
The company is expected to review user feedback before deciding on a wider rollout.
In other related news also read WhatsApp Tests Redesigned Status Feature for Better Accessibility
If the feature is released globally, it could improve inbox organization by separating promotional and service messages from personal chats. At the same time, important business updates would remain visible for a limited period before being moved to the dedicated folder.
