November 13, 2026, 4:37 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow users to share locations directly in their status. The feature is currently still in development. TECHBOOK knows what exactly is behind it and how this feature differs from the existing live location sharing.
What the new WhatsApp feature will look like
According to “WABetaInfo,” hints of a new feature have surfaced in the Android beta version 2.26.45.8. This will allow users to publish their location directly in the WhatsApp status. In the future, there will be a dedicated location option in the status editor. Users won’t need to select a photo or video first; they can share a location directly. This will then appear on an interactive map. A green pin marks the spot. The name of the place and the full address will also be visible.
Interestingly, WhatsApp apparently doesn’t just want to display the current position. Users will also be able to select and manually enter any location. So, if someone wants to share a specific place with their contacts, they don’t necessarily have to be there. If someone doesn’t want to reveal their exact location, they can instead display an approximate position. Those thinking of Snapchat’s location map with this new feature might be initially disappointed. According to WABetaInfo, a true live location sharing for WhatsApp status is not yet planned.
Privacy is still ensured
Which contacts can see the location in the status still depends on personal privacy settings. The already known rules for WhatsApp status updates will also apply to the new feature.
Also interesting: WhatsApp tests new AI photo editing
Sharing one’s location on WhatsApp is not entirely new. In individual and group chats, users have long been able to share their whereabouts in real time with others. The planned new feature will now add a location display in the status to this capability.
It may still take some time before users can publish their location directly in the WhatsApp status. The feature is currently in development and is not yet available to regular beta testers. There is no specific release date yet. Whether and when WhatsApp will enable the new location display for all users remains to be seen.