After being observed in WhatsApp Beta for Android, the ‘Recently Online’ feature is now apparently in the works for the iOS app. Notably, the Recently Online feature has popped up for select iOS beta users, which shows which of your contacts have been online recently.

Evidence of this new feature was spotted in the beta version of WhatsApp for iOS v24.9.10.71. as per WABetaInfo, the Recently Online feature shows a limited view of your contacts’ recent activity. When you interact with any of your contacts, whether it’s starting a new chat or initiating a new conversation, you’ll now see which contacts have used WhatsApp recently.

It does not show the live feed of everyone who is currently online, however, it indicates whether that person has used WhatsApp during the recent time or not. This may be a good indicator of which one of your contacts is more likely to be available to interact with you via messages or calls.

Some beta testers have already been given access to the ‘Recently Online’ feature in the WhatsApp iOS app. The feature is designed to show you an overview of activity rather than a comprehensive list of all contacts currently online.

The feature was built with privacy in mind. Therefore, for users who have disabled their last seen status and online status, WhatsApp will not show their recent online activity, ensuring that privacy settings are respected at all times.

The recently online new feature is available for testing on the beta version of WhatsApp for iOS using the TestFlight app. It is expected to roll out to a wider audience in the near future. WhatsApp recently updated the race car emoji for the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix, allowing users to rock the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 colors on the app as part of WhatsApp and the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.