According to MacRumors, WhatsApp is currently testing multiple account support in its latest iOS beta through TestFlight. The feature allows iPhone users to manage two separate accounts within the same app without needing WhatsApp Business or any workarounds. Users can add second accounts using newly created numbers, existing WhatsApp Business accounts, or companion accounts linked via QR codes. Each account maintains completely separate chat histories, backup configurations, notification settings, and privacy preferences. To switch between accounts, users can access the Account List section, press and hold the Settings tab for quick selection, or double-tap Settings to automatically rotate between accounts. Notifications will display both the sender’s name and which account received the message to prevent confusion.
Finally Caught Up
This is one of those features that feels like it should have existed years ago. Android users have had various workarounds and manufacturer-specific solutions for multiple accounts forever. But iPhone users? They’ve been stuck with either juggling multiple devices or using the separate WhatsApp Business app, which honestly isn’t the same experience. Here’s the thing – in a world where most of us have work and personal numbers, this should be table stakes by now. Why did it take Meta this long to implement something so fundamental?
The Switching Game
The account switching mechanics they’re testing are actually pretty clever. Press and hold the Settings tab? Double-tap to rotate? That’s the kind of intuitive gesture control that makes sense on mobile. And showing which account received notifications is crucial – imagine getting a work message on your personal account because you forgot which profile was active. That’s the kind of detail that separates a well-thought-out feature from a rushed implementation. Basically, they seem to have considered the actual user experience rather than just checking a feature box.
Where This Is Heading
I’m betting this is just the beginning. Right now it’s two accounts in beta, but once they work out the kinks, why stop there? We live in a world where people have multiple identities – work, personal, side hustles, maybe even region-specific accounts for travel. The infrastructure they’re building could easily support more accounts down the line. And let’s be real – this is probably Meta’s way of keeping people from using third-party apps or workarounds that might compromise security. Better to offer the feature officially than have users seek out sketchy alternatives.
The Business Angle
This move makes perfect sense when you consider how blurred the lines have become between personal and professional communication. People don’t want to carry two phones anymore, but they also don’t want their work contacts seeing their weekend party photos. By making account separation seamless, WhatsApp is positioning itself as the go-to for both personal and professional messaging. It’s a smart play in an increasingly competitive messaging landscape where apps like Telegram have offered multiple accounts for ages. Better late than never, I suppose.
