WhatsApp is continuing to refine its platform across Apple devices, with new beta features aimed at improving transparency, safety, and storage management.
According to recent findings from WABetaInfo, Meta is testing tools that show connected peripherals like the Apple Watch, alongside a redesigned interface for clearing chats and managing storage.
These changes arrive shortly after WhatsApp launched its long-awaited native Apple Watch app, signaling a broader push to better integrate accessories while giving users more control over their data.
WhatsApp Adds a New “Peripherals” Section for Linked Devices
In WhatsApp beta build 25.37.10.71 on TestFlight, Meta introduced a new category called ‘Peripherals’ within the Linked Devices menu. This section is specifically designed to show accessories connected to a user’s WhatsApp account, starting with the Apple Watch.
The Peripherals view displays:
- The name of the connected Apple Watch
- The date and time the accessory was last active
This addition improves visibility into account connections, especially now that WhatsApp can operate independently on the Apple Watch.
However, the current implementation has a limitation. Users cannot unlink an Apple Watch directly from the iPhone app. Instead, WhatsApp instructs users to remove the app from the Apple Watch itself to break the connection.
Transparency Improvements Follow Apple Watch App Launch
The timing of this feature is notable. WhatsApp’s native Apple Watch app was released only weeks ago, enabling users to read and send messages directly from their wrist.
With this expanded functionality, Meta appears to be addressing potential misuse scenarios by making connected peripherals more visible to account holders. The Peripherals section mirrors existing linked device tracking for WhatsApp Web and desktop apps, but focuses specifically on accessories.
New Chat Clearing Tools Focus on Storage Awareness
Shortly after the peripherals update, WhatsApp released another TestFlight build, version 25.37.10.72, which introduces a redesigned interface for clearing chats and managing storage.
The updated Clear Chat experience allows users to:
- Delete all messages in a chat
- Remove messages while keeping starred content
- Delete specific types of media
When clearing media files, WhatsApp now shows how much storage each category occupies before deletion. Users can selectively remove documents, photos, videos, stickers, and audio files, or clear all media at once, including starred media if desired.
Designed to Simplify Storage Management
The new interface emphasizes clarity and control. By showing storage usage upfront and grouping media types clearly, WhatsApp aims to make it easier for users to reclaim space without accidentally deleting important messages or files.
This feature closely follows similar changes already tested in the Android beta, which may indicate a broader rollout is not far off.
No Release Timeline Yet
At the moment, neither the Peripherals section nor the enhanced Clear Chat tools have a confirmed public release date. As with most WhatsApp beta features, availability will depend on further testing and refinement before a wider rollout.
Still, these updates highlight Meta’s focus on improving account transparency and making everyday chat management more intuitive across Apple devices.
