WhatsApp is testing view once messages for iOS, which will work similarly to how view once photos and videos work on the platform. It appears the messaging platform is planning on enhancing the privacy of texts with this feature, since view once content cannot be saved, screenshotted or forwarded.
WhatsApp Could Soon Introduce View Once Text Messages on iPhones
Spotted by WABetaInfo, the new work-in-progress feature was discovered in the latest TestFlight version of WhatsApp beta for iOS, bearing the 26.24.10.16 build number. It shows off a new view-once text message option, which is similar to the upcoming Spoiler Text feature on WhatsApp on Android.
As it is evident from the above image, iPhone users soon will be able to set a new view once option to their text messages, enabling them to disappear once the recipient has viewed it. It can be enabled by long-pressing the 'Send' button and selecting the "Send as view once" option from a preset dropdown menu.
It will then mask the message as viewed once text and once the recipient has clicked on it and viewed it, it will disappear. The report claims that this new functionality will work on both individual and group chats, but will not be available inside Channels.
Furthermore, WhatsApp will enable the same safeguards for view-only texts, as it does for photos, videos and voice notes. It will make it impossible for the recipient to copy, forward, share and take screenshots of the messages. The system will work under WhatsApp's enhanced privacy toolkit, allowing messages to stay safe and secure and reach only the intended person.
That said, at the time of writing, the new WhatsApp view once text privacy feature is currently under development and should roll out to select Test Flight users in the coming weeks. It is important to note that while the same functionality is being tested on Android, it hasn't rolled out yet.
Hence, Meta might start shipping the future only when it is ready for both platforms. So, if you are a WhatsApp beta tester, make sure to check upcoming releases to spot the view once text feature on Android and iOS.
