- WhatsApp is rolling out the green dot to some iPhone beta users through the latest TestFlight update.
- The green dot shows when a contact is currently online and disappears when they leave the app.
- he rollout is gradual, and WhatsApp has not announced when it will be available to all users.
In a move where WhatsApp indicates if any user is currently online or not, there’s a new upgrade being tested in iOS beta. At the moment, Meta is closely working on the WhatsApp green dot feature. The new development appears when someone in your contact is online, and it makes it easier to know if the other person is active or inactive. Further, it increases transparency between the users.
As of now, the beta feature is currently available for a few iOS users who have WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.26.10.72 installed through the TestFlight program. Notably, it functions the same way it use to in Android beta.
WhatsApp green dot comes to iPhone
Earlier in June 2026, Meta released the green dot feature on WhatsApp for Android beta users. Since it was being tested on Android, it was now time for iOS users to get their hands on the upcoming feature.
If you’re wondering, how is this upgrade any different from the previous “Online” display? Well, here’s the thing. The new feature replaces the “Online” text, which appears right below an individual’s contact details, with a new green dot. Even though it may not seem like an exciting visual upgrade to some users, many beta testers (including me) enjoy the new way of displaying online status. However, the opinions remain mixed.
How the feature green dot works
Imagine a friend of yours contacting you on WhatsApp. Now when he reaches and opens your profile, a noticeable green dot appears on the profile photo. Interestingly, when he closes the app, the green dot will disappear.
Where you can see the green dot
As of writing this, the new WhatsApp green dot “online status display” only appears in the chat info interface. You will be able to see the online status once you tap a contact’s name at the top of a chat.
At this moment, WhatsApp has limited the feature to the chat interface only, which means the green dot does not appear in the chat list, inside conversations, or in any other interface of the app.
Privacy settings still apply
With the new update, WhatsApp is not changing its privacy rules. As usual, the green dot will only appear if a contact shares their online status with you, similar to the previous approach. Suppose a person has chosen to hide their last seen or online status; you will not be able to see the online status.
The feature could support future updates
Along with the development, WhatsApp is also bringing a new Contacts hub for Android and iOS users. Using this feature, a user is expected to check which of their contacts are online or recently active. Anyway, WhatsApp has not officially confirmed anything about the Contacts hub, but it appears to be in the pipeline.
Gradual rollout to beta testers
The WhatsApp green dot feature is gradually rolling out to iOS beta users through TestFlight. Moreover, some users on the App Store may also receive the update as part of testing, only if WhatsApp makes it considerable.
Keep up with the tech that actually matters.
Add us as a preferred source on Google Search for quicker access to our coverage.
