WhatsApp is working on a browser that will open all links shared in chats on iPhone without leaving the application. The feature, which WABetaInfo found in iOS beta code, doesn’t limit the in-app web browser idea to certain business sites. Since the new option is not available for testing yet, installing the beta version does not mean that you can use the browser today.
The improvement appeared in version 26.41.10.72, distributed via TestFlight. The planned tweak will give the user the choice to open links within WhatsApp or in the phone’s default browser. Those who activate the option in the application will be able to access the connections they send and receive directly from the chat screen.
The information panel that will open on first activation will explain how this change works. In addition, users will be able to revert their preferences later. For those who want to open a link in a separate browser, there will be a toggle option in the three-dot menu.
WhatsApp expands browser dedicated to business sites
A narrower example of this approach already exists. The May 2025 iOS beta only opened business links in-app that met certain technical conditions. The site required the use of HTTPS and had other eligibility criteria for businesses. Therefore, any news or web pages that came to your chat were not included in this scope.
In the previous application, users could switch to an external browser. For example, it was possible to stay in the conversation while taking a quick look at the business’s product catalog or customer service page. For longer browsing, the option to return to the browser you are used to was retained. In the previous version, appropriate links were automatically loaded in the window within the application. Safari, Google Chrome, or another default browser installed on the phone was not opening automatically for these links. The user had to make a separate selection from the menu to switch to the external browser. The new development aims to move this operation beyond business connections.
A section for clearing the cookies and cache of visited sites in the browser settings is also being prepared. WABetaInfo states that navigation data will be kept on the device. This is information about managing site data in the browser, not a safeguard to circumvent the visited website’s own data practices.
The main change for chats where you frequently share links will be not having to switch to Safari or Chrome every time. However, it is normal that you cannot find this option in the settings today. The development phase is ongoing and WhatsApp does not announce the date when it will be available for general use. The feature is expected to reach some beta users first with a future update.