WhatsApp has reportedly started rolling out a feature that will make it easier for users to navigate the settings section of the iOS version of the app as part of the latest beta. Over the years, the Meta-owned messaging app has added several new features and options, allowing users to customize its functionality and their privacy settings. The new search bar can help them search for specific settings, instead of browsing through all WhatsApp options.

Spotted by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, a new search bar for the settings section is now rolling out for beta testers on the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS. It should already be available to users running WhatsApp for iOS beta version 23.4.0.73, but the feature tracker says testers on other 23.4.0 versions should also be able to see the new search bar.

The search bar appears above the user’s profile picture on the settings page, according to an image shared by WABetaInfo. Users can type specific words like “Photo” to see settings options under Storage and data Or Privacy (for their profile picture), or tap “Notification” to see settings related to chat and group chat notification sounds and vibration options.

WhatsApp’s new search bar can be found in the settings menu
Photo credit: WABetaInfo

This feature could help older users or users who have just started using the app to easily find some commonly used settings. While users currently have to spend a few minutes scrolling through settings to find the right toggle or option, typing it into a search bar could get them there in an instant. However, it is unknown when this feature will come to users on the stable version of WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, the feature tracker also says WhatsApp has started testing the ability to report status updates on WhatsApp for the iOS 23.4.0.74 beta. Readers may recall that the messaging service started testing the reporting feature for statuses on the beta version of the app for Android phones last month. The new option will allow users to report content that violates WhatsApp’s terms of service. While statuses are protected by end-to-end encryption, the content of flagged messages is sent to WhatsApp for moderation, in accordance with the app’s privacy policy.