WhatsApp is back with a feature that’s set to change how we respond to messages — threaded replies. If you’re using the WhatsApp iOS beta, you’re among the first to try this major upgrade designed to bring more clarity to group chats and long conversations.
In this guide, you’ll learn what threaded replies are in WhatsApp, how to enable and use them, and how to join the WhatsApp beta program on iOS before the feature goes public.
🔄 What Are Threaded Replies in WhatsApp?
Threaded replies allow users to start a mini-conversation — or “thread” — under a specific message. This helps to keep group chats organized and lets participants focus on specific points without confusing the main flow of the conversation.
Think of it like message threads in apps like Slack, Discord, or iMessage. Instead of sending a reply that just quotes a message and pushes the conversation forward, threaded replies group all related messages in a single view under the original comment.
✅ Difference between normal and threaded replies:
- Normal reply: Just quotes the message inline in the chat.
- Threaded reply: Opens a sub-conversation that keeps all replies neatly grouped together.
This change is a game-changer for high-volume chats where multiple topics are being discussed at once.
📱 How to Use Threaded Replies on WhatsApp iOS Beta
If you’re on the latest WhatsApp iOS beta version, using threaded replies is quick and intuitive. Follow these steps:
- Open any personal or group chat in WhatsApp.
- Long-press the message you want to respond to.
- Tap “Reply in thread” from the menu.
- Type and send your message — it will appear in a separate thread attached to the original message.
💡 Pro Tip: You can tap on any threaded reply to open the full conversation thread and see all messages grouped by topic.
This helps avoid confusion when multiple people are replying to different messages simultaneously — especially in large group chats or workspaces.
🧪 How to Get WhatsApp iOS Beta
The threaded replies feature is currently available only in the WhatsApp iOS beta. Here’s how you can get it:
Step-by-step: Join WhatsApp iOS Beta
- Download the TestFlight app from the App Store.
- Look for WhatsApp Messenger on TestFlight.
- If beta slots are open, click “Join Beta”.
- Install the beta version of WhatsApp from TestFlight.
Note: WhatsApp beta slots on iOS fill up quickly, so you may need to check frequently. Also, beta versions may have bugs or unfinished features.
🆕 WhatsApp iOS Beta Features 2025: What Else Is New?
Alongside threaded replies, the latest WhatsApp iOS beta features also include:
- AI-generated message summaries for long chats
- Pinning messages inside threads
- Updated View Once privacy controls with more granularity
- Animated emoji reactions and custom emoji packs
- Faster syncing between iPhone and linked devices
These features make WhatsApp more competitive with apps like Telegram and Signal, especially for iOS users looking for more functionality.
🤔 How Does WhatsApp Compare to Telegram in Threading?
Telegram introduced message threading in groups and channels much earlier. Let’s compare:
| Feature | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
| Threaded Replies | Now in iOS beta | Available in groups/channels |
| Thread View UI | Clean, minimal | More layered with tagging |
| Custom Admin Controls | Limited | Extensive |
| Reply Notifications | Thread-based alerts | Tag-based and thread alerts |
While Telegram is still ahead in terms of control and community tools, WhatsApp’s adoption of threading shows it’s catching up fast — especially on the iOS side.
📅 When Will Threaded Replies Launch for Everyone?
Based on WhatsApp’s rollout history, features released in beta typically go public within 4–8 weeks. So, you can expect threaded replies to be available to all iOS users by August or September 2025, unless major bugs delay the rollout.
Android beta testers may receive this feature shortly after iOS, with a staggered release for stability testing.
❓ FAQ: WhatsApp Threaded Replies on iOS
Q. Are threaded replies available on Android?
As of now, threaded replies are only available in the iOS beta. Android support is expected soon.
Q. Can I disable threaded replies in WhatsApp?
No, there’s currently no toggle to disable this feature. If you reply to a message using the threaded option, it will be grouped automatically.
Q. Do threaded replies work in group chats and personal chats?
Yes. Threaded replies work in both group chats and one-on-one conversations in the beta version.
Q. Will all group members see threaded replies even if they don’t have the beta?
Only users on the beta version will see the threaded interface. Others will see standard replies.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The WhatsApp threaded replies feature on iOS is a welcome change, especially for those who participate in active groups. It helps reduce confusion, keeps replies structured, and feels much more modern.
If you can grab a slot in the WhatsApp iOS beta, you should definitely give this feature a try. And if not, hang tight — it’s only a matter of time before it’s rolled out to everyone.
