WhatsApp Multi-Account Support on iPhone: Everything You Need to Know
Finally, iPhone users can breathe a sigh of relief! WhatsApp’s long-awaited multi-account support is making its way to iOS. This feature, already available on Android, is set to revolutionize how iPhone users juggle personal and professional chats—without needing two devices or the hassle of logging in and out repeatedly.
Let’s break it down and see what this update means for you.
What Is WhatsApp’s Multi-Account Feature?
Imagine managing two WhatsApp accounts seamlessly within one app. No more juggling devices or switching profiles! Each account will have its own:
- Chats and contacts
- Notification settings
- Privacy options
- Backup preferences
This feature integrates directly into the Settings menu for iPhone users, letting you switch between accounts in just a few taps.
How Will It Work on iPhone?
Key Requirements
- SIM or eSIM Compatibility: Each account needs a unique phone number. If you’re using an iPhone with eSIM support (like recent models in the U.S.), switching accounts becomes even easier—no need to swap physical SIM cards.
- Device Cap: Like Android, you can only link two accounts per device.
Who Benefits Most?
- Professionals: Separate your work chats from personal conversations.
- Frequent Travelers: Keep a local number for international trips without losing access to your primary account.
- Privacy-Conscious Users: Define business hours and set boundaries for work-related chats.
Why Did iPhone Users Have to Wait?
While Android’s fragmented ecosystem allowed quicker feature testing, iPhone users faced delays due to Apple’s stricter iOS guidelines and the complexity of eSIM integration. Thankfully, the feature is now live in the WhatsApp Beta for iOS (v25.2.10.70), and its stability indicates we’re not far from an official rollout.
When Will It Be Available?
While there’s no exact release date yet, here’s what we can predict:
- Beta Testing: Likely to last 4–8 weeks to iron out bugs.
- Public Launch: Expected by Q4 2024, in line with Apple’s major iOS updates.
Want to try it first? Join WhatsApp’s TestFlight program and be among the early adopters.
How Does It Compare to Other Apps?
- Telegram offers has unlimited accounts but lacks WhatsApp’s built-in end-to-end encryption.
- Signal: Great for privacy but doesn’t support multiple accounts.
- Google Messages: Works only on Android devices, relying heavily on RCS.
WhatsApp’s move balances convenience and security, making it the go-to choice for users managing multiple identities.
Preparing for the Update
Steps to Get Ready
- Backup Your Chats: Use iCloud to save existing data before switching accounts.
- Set Up an eSIM: Contact your carrier to configure a secondary number.
- Update Your iOS: Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 17 or higher for full compatibility.
Why This Matters: Meta’s Bigger Play
This feature isn’t just about convenience—it’s part of Meta’s broader strategy to dominate cross-platform messaging while staying compliant with Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). As competitors like Telegram and Slack gain traction, WhatsApp is doubling down on features that make life easier for its diverse user base.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp’s multi-account support is more than just a cool feature—it’s a game-changer for anyone balancing personal and professional life or managing multiple numbers. Android users had a head start, but iPhone users can expect a polished implementation that takes full advantage of Apple’s ecosystem.
Stay tuned for the official launch, and don’t forget to check our blog for real-time updates!
