WhatsApp Tests New Transparency Feature on iPhone to Show Linked Apple Watch Devices
Meta is testing a new transparency-focused feature for WhatsApp on iPhone that will clearly show when an Apple Watch is paired with a user’s account. The move aims to address emerging security and privacy concerns following WhatsApp’s recent expansion to watchOS, which allows users to access messages directly on Apple Watch.
What’s New in WhatsApp’s ‘Peripherals’ Section
The feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta build 25.37.10.71 on TestFlight by WABetaInfo. It introduces a new “Peripherals” section within the existing Linked Devices interface.
Under this section, users can see:
- The name of the connected Apple Watch
- The date and time the watch was last active on WhatsApp
This added visibility helps users understand exactly which wearable devices have access to their conversations—an important step toward improving account transparency.
Why This Update Matters
The update comes in response to concerns that WhatsApp accounts could be secretly paired with an Apple Watch, potentially allowing unauthorised access to messages. Security experts have pointed out that such risks are particularly serious in abusive or controlling relationships, where technology is sometimes used for surveillance.
By clearly listing paired wearables, WhatsApp aims to reduce the chances of unnoticed monitoring.
A Key Limitation Remains
Despite the added transparency, the feature currently has a major drawback. Unlike WhatsApp Web or desktop sessions, users cannot remotely unlink an Apple Watch from their iPhone settings.
To remove a paired Apple Watch, users must physically access the watch and delete WhatsApp from it. This limitation could prove problematic if the user does not have possession of the device, especially in cases involving unauthorised access.
Linked to WhatsApp’s Apple Watch Expansion
The update follows WhatsApp’s recent launch of its native Apple Watch app, which expanded the platform’s reach to wearable devices. Alongside the new Peripherals section, Meta is reportedly working on broader improvements to WhatsApp’s chat interface, attachments, and storage management, based on ongoing beta testing.
WhatsApp May Also Add a ‘Clear Chat’ Storage Tool
In a subsequent beta release (build 25.37.10.72), WhatsApp is testing a new Clear Chat storage feature designed to help users manage space more efficiently.
According to WABetaInfo, the tool allows users to:
- Delete all messages in a chat
- Clear everything except starred messages
- Remove specific media categories such as photos, videos, documents, stickers, and audio files
The interface shows how much storage each category uses and gives users granular control before confirming deletion. Users can also choose to remove all media—including starred items—in one action.
Conclusion
While neither feature has an official release date, their appearance in both iOS and Android beta versions suggests a wider rollout may not be far off. Together, these updates signal WhatsApp’s growing focus on privacy transparency and better storage control, especially as the app expands beyond smartphones to wearable devices.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
As messaging apps expand across devices, transparency becomes as important as encryption. WhatsApp’s new Peripherals section is a welcome step, but true user control will only come when linked wearables can be remotely removed. Privacy, after all, is not just about visibility—it’s about power.