Observed Signal · Oct 19, 2026 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
WhatsApp testing in-app browser for iOS
WhatsApp is developing an in-app browser for iOS that would allow users to open any link shared in chats directly within the app, instead of being redirected to Safari or Chrome. The feature, discovered by WABetaInfo in the latest iOS beta (26.41.10.72), is still in development and not yet available to testers. Previously, only certain business links with HTTPS were supported. Once activated via chat settings, users can open any website inside WhatsApp, manage cookies and cache locally, and WhatsApp claims it will not have access to links from encrypted chats. The in-app browser session is separate from the chat view, providing a seamless browsing experience. This is part of WhatsApp's broader effort to enhance user convenience. No launch date has been announced.
This is a minor product update from a major platform (WhatsApp) that could enhance the in-app experience, potentially affecting how links are opened and tracked within the app, but it is still in testing and has limited immediate impact on the AdTech ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- WhatsApp is testing an in-app browser for iOS, discovered in iOS beta 26.41.10.72.
- The feature allows opening any website within the app, with a new 'In-app browser' option in chat settings.
- Users can manage browser data like cookies and cache locally, with WhatsApp not having access to links from encrypted chats.
- The feature was previously limited to business links with HTTPS, and the browser session is separate from the chat view.
- No launch date has been announced.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mapped“WhatsApp is developing an in-app browser for iOS to open links within the app.”
“The feature is tested on iOS, Apple's operating system, but Apple is not the subject of the action.”
“An analysis by Meltwater and We Are Social revealed WhatsApp usage in Germany.”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
WhatsApp Testing Guest Calls, Event Hub, Restricted Chats
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