WhatsApp develops nearby device file sharing feature 🛜

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WhatsApp is currently working on a new feature that will allow users to easily share files with nearby people without requiring an internet connection. This feature is currently in the beta testing phase for both Android and iOS platforms.

A new way to share files 🛜

This feature, similar to Apple’s AirDrop, aims to simplify the process of sharing large files, especially in areas with limited or unstable internet connectivity. Initially tested on Android since January, this feature is now appearing in the beta version of WhatsApp for iOS. According to WABetaInfo, a site specializing in WhatsApp news, the latest beta update (version 24.15.10.70) available via TestFlight includes this new option.

However, there seem to be differences in implementation between the Android and iOS versions. On Android, the system would be able to automatically detect nearby users to initiate sharing. On iOS, users would need to scan a QR code displayed on the sender’s device screen to establish the connection. This difference could be due to restrictions imposed by Apple on the use of certain iPhone modules.

Source : WABetaInfo

One of the most notable aspects of this new feature is its cross-platform compatibility. It is designed to work seamlessly between Android and iOS devices, ensuring that users can share files regardless of their device’s operating system. Additionally, WhatsApp ensures that this file-sharing function is compatible with its end-to-end encryption framework, thus ensuring the privacy and security of shared content.

Patience required ⏳

It’s important to note that this feature is still in an early stage of development. Its final implementation could therefore undergo significant changes before its official launch. Details regarding permissions, privacy measures, and overall user experience will likely be adjusted as testing progresses.

Although promising, the release date for this feature remains uncertain. Users will probably have to wait several weeks, if not months, before being able to enjoy it in the stable version of WhatsApp.

In the meantime, if you want to exchange files without going through messaging, solutions exist. On iOS, AirDrop needs no introduction. On Android, there’s a lesser-known alternative called Quick Share.

Do you regularly share photos and other files with your loved ones? If so, what do you think of this new feature? Let us know in the comments.