WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will allow Android users to read messages without triggering blue ticks. The feature will let users check messages without opening individual conversations. It will also work while read receipts remain enabled.

The upcoming update will introduce a message preview option in the chat list. Users will be able to access it by pressing and holding a conversation. A floating window will then display the latest messages from that chat.

According to Android Authority, the feature was discovered in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.44.12 for Android. Early testing has provided details about its expected functionality. However, the feature is still under development.

WhatsApp Users Will Be Able to Read Messages Without Blue Ticks

Currently, WhatsApp users can disable read receipts to prevent blue ticks from appearing. However, this setting applies across conversations. Users who keep read receipts enabled must rely on notification previews to read messages privately.

The upcoming feature will provide a more convenient alternative. Android users will be able to preview messages directly from the chat list. They will not need to open the conversation to read recent messages.

The preview will appear in a floating window above the chat options. Users will also see a redesigned menu with several conversation management options.

These options will include pinning, archiving, muting, deleting chats, and marking messages as unread. Most importantly, reading messages through the preview will not notify the sender.

Blue ticks will only appear when users open the conversation normally. This will allow users to check messages privately without changing their read receipt settings.

Android Users May Get an Advantage Over iPhone Users

WhatsApp already offers a similar message preview feature on iPhones. iOS users can press and hold a conversation to view recent messages without triggering read receipts.

However, the iPhone version has a limitation. Users cannot scroll through the preview window to access older messages.

The upcoming Android feature is expected to address this restriction. Users will reportedly be able to scroll upward within the preview window. This will make it easier to read older messages without opening the conversation.

Currently, long-pressing a chat on Android only selects it. The interface then displays options such as pin, archive, mute, and delete.

The new feature will introduce a floating message preview alongside a redesigned context menu. This could make private message checking more convenient for Android users.

When Will WhatsApp Release the New Feature?

The feature was identified in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.44.12 through an APK teardown. WABetaInfo also spotted the functionality in beta version 2.26.44.11.

However, the feature is not yet available to public beta testers. WhatsApp is still working on its development.

The company has not confirmed an official release date for Android users. It may arrive through a future application update.

However, its public release is not guaranteed. Features discovered in beta versions do not always become part of the final application.

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For now, Android users will have to wait for further updates before trying the new message preview option.