WhatsApp Business: New update reveals fresh details about upcoming app

A radically different version of the messenger app is in development, and could come out very soon

Aatif Sulleyman
Thursday 11 January 2018 08:40 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

WhatsApp’s upcoming Business app is one step closer to an official launch.

It will be completely separate to the regular version of WhatsApp that millions of smartphone users are already so familiar with, as it’s specifically designed to be used by companies, to help them stay in touch with their customers.

While WhatsApp Business hasn’t come out yet, a beta version of the app is available to download in a handful of countries around the world.

WhatsApp has rolled out a new update for the beta version of Business, which suggests the app is stable and almost ready for an official release, according to WABetaInfo.

The update introduces a new feature called Labels, which makes it easier for companies to stay on top of orders and processes, and categorise their customers.

The available options are Prospect, New Order, Pending Payment, Paid and Order Complete.

However, WhatsApp Business users also have the option to create their own custom Labels.

WhatsApp Business will have a slightly different logo to the regular WhatsApp app, featuring a prominent B rather than a phone icon

When it’s ready, people will be able to place orders on WhatsApp and even receive updates from companies, like delivery confirmations and flight times, through it.

A fake version of WhatsApp Business made its way onto the Google Play store late last year, and successfully tricked people into installing it.

People should therefore wait until WhatsApp officially announces the release of the app before trying to get your hands on it.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in