WhatsApp Tests Threaded Replies Feature on Android and iOS: Here's What It Means

WhatsApp is working on a new feature designed to make chat conversations more organized and easier to follow—threaded message replies. This update is aimed at enhancing user experience, especially in group chats, where messages often come in quickly and conversations can become hard to track.

According to reliable source WABetaInfo, the feature has been spotted in development on both Android and iOS beta versions, signaling an upcoming global rollout. It’s expected to simplify the way users engage in complex discussions, both in personal and group conversations.

What Is WhatsApp’s Threaded Reply Feature?

The new threaded reply feature allows users to respond to a specific message within a separate, organized thread. This means all replies to a particular message will be neatly grouped together, making it easier to follow a discussion without scrolling endlessly through chat history.

This format is particularly useful when multiple participants are responding to the same message. Instead of scattering replies across the chat, the thread will keep all relevant responses in one place, making interactions more structured.

How the Feature Works

When someone replies to a message in a group or individual chat, the original message bubble will display a small thread icon along with a count of how many replies have been made. By tapping on this icon, users can open a dedicated thread view showing all responses linked to that particular message.

This view helps eliminate the need to scroll back and forth through long chat threads to trace the original message or understand what someone is replying to. All messages in the thread appear in a sequential layout, allowing users to read through the entire conversation on a specific topic in one place.

Sending Replies from Within the Thread

One of the key highlights of this feature is the ability to send new replies directly within the thread view. This ensures all related replies remain grouped, regardless of when they are sent. The function is especially beneficial in fast-paced group chats, where messages can pile up quickly and it’s easy to lose context.

By keeping replies centralized, WhatsApp is aiming to reduce confusion and make the conversation flow more logically. Users will no longer have to guess which message a reply is addressing, thus improving clarity and comprehension during discussions.

Consistent Rollout Across Android and iOS

The feature was first spotted in WhatsApp beta version 2.25.7.7 for Android. As of now, WhatsApp is also developing the same functionality for iOS users, ensuring a seamless and consistent user experience across platforms.

Though not yet available to the general public, the feature is expected to be included in a future update. Once rolled out, both Android and iOS users will be able to enjoy a more organized and efficient messaging system.

Why Threaded Replies Matter

Group chats often involve multiple overlapping conversations. Without a structured format, it's easy for users to miss key points or misunderstand who is responding to what. This often leads to fragmented conversations and confusion.

The introduction of threaded replies addresses this problem directly. By grouping related responses together, WhatsApp provides a cleaner layout that enhances readability, reduces miscommunication, and improves the overall quality of conversations.

This approach is similar to what platforms like Slack, Discord, and Microsoft Teams already offer, where threading is a key component of organized communication. Bringing this to WhatsApp shows the platform’s continued evolution toward becoming a more robust messaging tool.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming threaded message reply feature is one of the most anticipated updates for WhatsApp users in recent times. Designed with clarity, structure, and usability in mind, this feature promises to transform how users handle multi-person conversations and ongoing discussions in chats.

With its beta rollout already underway on Android and iOS, it’s only a matter of time before WhatsApp officially launches this upgrade, making digital communication easier and more intuitive for millions of users worldwide.