WhatsApp for iOS to Get Emoji-Based Sticker Suggestions in Chats

WhatsApp is testing a new feature on iPhones that will suggest relevant stickers as users type emojis in a chat. The update is designed to make conversations faster and more expressive by showing matching stickers instantly, without opening the sticker panel.

WhatsApp’s Emoji-Based Sticker Suggestions: What’s New

Feature Spotted in iOS Beta

According to a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing emoji-based sticker suggestions in the iOS beta version 26.1.10.72. With this feature, whenever a user types an emoji in the message box, WhatsApp may automatically show a matching sticker right above the chat bar.

This means users will no longer have to open the sticker keyboard and scroll through multiple packs to find the right sticker — the app will surface relevant options instantly.

How It Works

The system works by using pre-defined emoji associations that are linked to stickers when they are created. Only stickers that have specific emojis assigned to them will be shown as suggestions. This keeps the results relevant and prevents random or unrelated stickers from appearing.

Many third-party sticker creation apps on iOS already let creators assign multiple emojis to a single sticker, which increases the chances of those stickers appearing when the matching emoji is typed.

Similar to Android, Now Optimised for iOS

A similar emoji-based sticker suggestion feature already exists on Android. WhatsApp is now bringing it to iOS, with adjustments designed for Apple’s interface and interaction style.

The suggestions appear in real time while the message is being typed, and a sticker can be sent instantly with a single tap.

Brings Back Old and Rarely Used Stickers

One of the biggest advantages of this feature is that it can surface older or rarely used stickers that usually remain hidden deep inside sticker packs. By simply typing an emoji, users can quickly find the perfect sticker that matches a reaction, mood, or gesture — without interrupting the flow of the conversation.

This is especially useful in fast-moving chats where quick responses matter.

Limitations With WhatsApp’s Built-In Sticker Editor

Stickers created using WhatsApp’s built-in sticker editor on iOS currently do not support emoji associations. As a result, they will not appear in emoji-based suggestions.

However, stickers downloaded from the official WhatsApp Sticker Store already include the required metadata and work correctly with this feature.

Availability

Right now, emoji-based sticker suggestions are available only to a limited number of beta testers on iOS. In some cases, a small number of users on the stable App Store version may also see the feature enabled.