WhatsApp is rolling out a redesigned ‘About’ section, transforming it into a dynamic, time-bound status feature rather than a permanently static line. The update allows users to set temporary activity messages that expire automatically, making profile information more relevant, timely, and reflective of real-life situations.
The new feature enables users to share short updates like “In a meeting,” “Out for lunch,” “Travelling,” or “Busy”, while selecting how long the message remains visible. Timer options range from just a few hours up to an entire month. Once the set duration ends, the message disappears automatically-removing the need for users to manually update outdated statuses.
A key enhancement is visibility: the temporary About bubble is now integrated directly into the chat preview section. This means users can view someone’s current status while scrolling their chat list or replying to messages, without opening their profile. The change is expected to improve context-based communication-for instance, understanding instantly why someone may not respond immediately.
To make these updates expressive and fun, WhatsApp now supports emojis within the temporary status. A coffee emoji may signal a quick break, while a suitcase may indicate travel. Preset durations and quick-edit tools make modifying or extending the status simple.
The update is currently available for some iOS users and will roll out gradually across platforms in the coming weeks. The redesigned feature marks a shift toward more flexible, expressive, and real-time communication on WhatsApp-closer to how users already communicate across modern social platforms.
