WhatsApp Limits Forwarding Messages and Introduces Communities Tab on iOS

Fake news and dangerous misinformation can spread easily. But WhatsApp has something to prevent it. The new beta version of WhatsApp is introducing a new limitation that will not let you spam received messages out to group chats. Along with it, the iOS beta version will replace the Camera tab with the new Communities one.

As for the new limitation, it seems logical, as it’s not the first measure WhatsApp takes to prevent spreading virus information. In 2019, it limited the number of forwards by just five chats, while also introducing a special line for reporting misinformation, and in 2020, the number was reduced further to just one for messages recognized as frequently forwarded. Now, the new restrictions also apply to forwarding messages to chats. As you try to forward the message to multiple group chats, you receive a warning telling you that you can just forward a message to just one group chats.

On the other hand, if you manage lots of communities or participate in them, the new WhatsApp Beta may make you more comfortable with another update. Now, the Camera tab is replaced with the Communities tab. Under it, you can find the communities you are a part of. Communities were introduced to make communication in WhatsApp more social. As for Camera, its interface will also undergo some changes.

These changes are not exclusive to iOS. The similar features are seen in WhatsApp for Android beta 2.22.6.9 that appeared a bit earlier. To try these new features on your iPhone, you need WhatsApp for iOS beta version 22.7.0.76. In the following weeks, these features are likely to appear in the stable release for both platforms. 

Have you already tried the new WhatsApp Beta? Will you switch to beta from stable releases to be among the first to see the updates? Tell us about your opinion in the comments!