WhatsApp users could soon be able to edit the messages they have already sent if a potential update is rolled up by developers.
The change could see sent messages editable for just 15 minutes before they are locked as they are now - although they could still be deleted if you change your mind completely.
The plan could be similar to that for iPhone users who, if they have the iOS 16 or later, can already edit sent text.
The changed message does tell the sender and receiver that the message has been changed, with the word edited in grey text underneath the message.
It is believed that the encrypted end-to-end messages Whatsapp send could be subject to similar 'edited' notes.
Owned by Meta, the popular messaging app has around 30 million users in the UK and a whopping 2 billion worldwide.
The editable messages plan is said to be 'under development' according to business insiders, but there is no given date for when users can get their hands on the handy update.
The developer may even decide not to roll out the feature at all.
Earlier this year, the Mirror reported on five big changes that WhatsApp could see this year as experts at WABetaInfo looked at what could soon be ready for users.
Block shortcuts
Blocking unwanted contacts will be faster and easier than before with a new shortcut that will be listed in the chat option part of a user's chat list.
Blocking multiple users at once will not yet be an option, but the new feature can be expected in a future update to the app.
WABetaInfo said: "We think this feature will be very helpful especially if you get many messages from people you don’t know or don’t want to talk to, so you can quickly block them by opening the chat options."
Detect text in images
Detecting texting images will be a useful feature for Whatsapp users in the future and it is already available on the beta version of the app.
WABetaInfo said: "It is easy to discover if the feature is already available in your beta version: simply open an image that contains text and verify the presence of the text detection button.
"If the button is visible, you can begin extracting text from images within your conversations."
The software is not available for iOS users on anything earlier that iOS 16.
Moving Android chats
WhatsApp is making it easier for Android users to move their chat history from one device to another.
This would mean users do not have to use Google Drive to get their chat data back when they switch to a new device.
The feature is still under development and it is not clear when it will be rolled out to Android users, but may be on a beta version of the app in the near future.
Forward media with a caption
Currently, when users forward a WhatsApp image or video to their family or friends, it is done so without a caption.
A clunky extra message also has to be sent if a user wants to explain why the message has been forwarded.
In a new feature, users could be able to keep the original caption of whatever message they forward, or have the option to remove it.
WABetaInfo said: "WhatsApp is introducing an alert that informs users about the ability to forward images, videos, GIFs, and documents, with captions: it is rolling out to people that install the latest update of the app today."
The option will be available to all beta testers and the app is also introducing an alert to tell users about the feature.
WhatsApp camera mode
WhatsApp is working on a camera mode that will allow users to switch more easily between camera and video mode.
Currently, users need to hold down the camera button in order to record video, but this new feature will make the camera feature more similar to that of the main one used on iOS devices.
It is not yet available on beta versions of the app as it is still very much under development.
WABetaInfo added: "This is good news for all WhatsApp users as this feature will help them record videos in a simple and easier way."
