WhatsApp appears to be getting a visual makeover that brings it closer to Facebook. New reports indicate that the messaging app is testing a feature that will allow standard iPhone users to add a background “cover photo” to their personal profiles.
A fresh look for your profile
Currently, your WhatsApp profile is pretty basic: just a small, round profile picture and a status line. However, the latest beta version of the iOS app shows a new design where a large rectangular image sits behind your profile photo.
This layout will look very familiar to anyone who uses Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or LinkedIn. According to screenshots from the beta test, users will see a new camera button on their profile page. Tapping this allows you to take a new photo or upload one from your gallery to serve as a header image.
Borrowing from Business
This feature isn’t entirely new to the WhatsApp ecosystem. “WhatsApp Business” accounts have used cover photos for a while to display logos or store information. Now, Meta seems ready to let everyday users do the same.
While this leak comes specifically from the iPhone version of the app, there are signs that Android users won’t be left out. The goal seems to be a unified look across all phones, making the app feel less like a simple texting tool and more like a social network.
Market Impact & Context
For a long time, WhatsApp’s biggest strength was its simplicity. It avoided the clutter of other social apps. By adding cover photos, Meta is shifting gears slightly, encouraging users to spend more time customizing their personal space within the app.
This move mirrors changes seen in rival apps like Telegram and Discord, which have increasingly added features for self-expression. It turns the basic “Contact Info” screen into a personalized digital identity card.
What happens next
Right now, this feature is hidden in a test version of the app that isn’t available to the public. If the testing goes well, everyday users can expect to see cover photos arrive in a standard update later this year.
