WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that could make managing contacts and starting conversations much easier. The popular messaging platform is testing a dedicated Contacts tab for Android users, allowing them to access saved contacts directly without repeatedly navigating through the Chats section.

The upcoming feature is expected to bring several useful options, including contact sorting, favourite contacts, activity-based filters and shortcuts to add new people. If introduced widely, it could change how users navigate WhatsApp and manage their conversations.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, the feature has been spotted in WhatsApp Android beta version 2.26.45.2 and is currently being tested with a limited number of users.

1. WhatsApp May Introduce a Dedicated Contacts Tab

The biggest change is the addition of a separate Contacts section within WhatsApp.

Currently, users generally access saved contacts through the Chats section or by starting a new conversation. With the upcoming update, they may be able to open a dedicated tab and browse their contacts directly.

Interestingly, the new Contacts tab is reportedly replacing the Communities tab in the bottom navigation bar in the beta version being tested.

This could make contact discovery more convenient, particularly for users who frequently communicate with different people throughout the day.

2. New Contact Sorting Options Could Make Searching Easier

Another interesting addition is the ability to organise contacts according to different preferences.

The new tab is expected to offer several sorting options, including:

• Favorites: Keep frequently contacted people at the top.

• Name: Arrange contacts according to their names.

• Alphabetical order: Find people more easily through an organised list.

• Birthday: Sort contacts according to their birthdays.

• Activity: Prioritise contacts based on their online activity.

The Activity filter could be particularly useful. It may display currently online contacts at the top, accompanied by a green indicator.

Other contacts could appear according to their last-seen information, depending on their privacy settings.

3. Meta AI and Instagram Integration May Also Be Included

WhatsApp could also introduce additional shortcuts within the new Contacts tab.

One expected addition is a direct shortcut to Meta AI, allowing users to access the company's AI assistant more conveniently.

The feature may also include an option to share WhatsApp invitation links with Instagram followers. This could make it easier for users to invite people from Instagram to connect with them on WhatsApp.

These additions suggest that Meta is exploring ways to bring its different platforms and services closer together.

4. Adding New Contacts Could Become Easier

The upcoming Contacts tab may also include a dedicated button at the bottom of the screen to add new people.

Users could get the option to save contacts using different details, such as:

• Name

• WhatsApp username

• Mobile number

There may also be an option to save a newly added phone number directly to the smartphone's address book.

This could reduce the steps required to add someone and start a conversation.

5. When Will the New WhatsApp Feature Be Available?

According to WABetaInfo, the dedicated Contacts tab has been spotted in WhatsApp Android beta version 2.26.45.2 through the Google Play Beta programme.

At present, the feature is available only to a limited number of beta testers. WhatsApp may expand testing to more users over the coming weeks before considering a wider rollout.

However, Meta has not officially announced a public release date. It is also unclear whether the final version will retain all the features currently being tested.

Will This Change the WhatsApp Experience?

The dedicated Contacts tab could be a useful addition for people who regularly use WhatsApp for personal and professional communication.

Instead of searching through existing conversations, users may soon be able to browse their contacts, organise favourites and find people based on their activity from a single section.

The integration of Meta AI and Instagram-related options could make the tab even more useful.

For now, Android users will have to wait for WhatsApp to complete its testing and announce the feature's wider availability.