WhatsApp Tests Peripheral Tracking on iPhone

WhatsApp is testing new features that will let iPhone users see connected peripherals like Apple Watch, and make it easier to manage chats and storage inside the app, as spotted in the latest beta release by WABetaInfo.

Until now, WhatsApp has only shown linked devices such as computers or tablets under a linked devices section but automatic connections like Apple Watch pairing have been harder to track.

As seen in the latest WhatsApp TestFlight beta, however, a new “Peripherals” category within the linked devices interface also displays accessories that are paired to a WhatsApp account in the background without requiring a manual QR code scan or verification. This means users will see the name of the connected accessory and when it was last active, helping them stay aware of what hardware is tied to their account.

The need for greater transparency around connected accessories has become more relevant since WhatsApp expanded support for Apple Watch. Previously users could link the app to a smartwatch but had limited visibility into this connection. Making this information visible within the app may help people understand how their messages and notifications sync across devices.

WhatsApp’s new peripheral tracking feature is currently limited in scope, with the Apple Watch the only supported accessory so far. However this early rollout suggests Meta is laying the groundwork for future additions as WhatsApp expands support for other types of connected devices. Users cannot unlink automatic peripherals directly within WhatsApp at this time, and instead must remove the companion app on the device to disconnect it from the account.

Alongside connected device updates, WhatsApp is also improving tools that let users clean up chats and free up space on their phones. A recent beta build introduces a redesigned chat storage interface that gives people more options for clearing space.

The feature shows how much storage a chat and its media files are using and lets users delete entire conversations or trim specific elements such as photos, videos, audio clips and documents. This approach gives users a clearer picture of what is eating up storage.

Both the connected peripherals and enhanced storage management features are being tested with beta users and do not yet have a confirmed release date for all WhatsApp customers.