WhatsApp is planning to introduce usernames and unique IDs, allowing users to send messages and make calls without sharing their phone numbers. The feature is expected to roll out globally by June 2026.
Both individuals and businesses will likely be able to reserve unique handles, similar to other social media platforms.
The company said the feature aims to help users connect with friends, groups and businesses more securely.
The usernames feature will remain optional, enabling users to continue using phone numbers if they prefer, thereby avoiding disruption and reducing the risk of users shifting to rival platforms.
In addition, WhatsApp is exploring a dynamic pricing model for businesses, where companies may bid in real time to send marketing messages.
Reports indicate WhatsApp will test the system in the latter half of 2026 and implement it by 2027.
India remains a key market for WhatsApp, with over 500 million users, making it one of the platform’s largest user bases globally.
According to a report by Meta Platforms Inc and the Retailers Association of India, social media platforms influence 77 per cent of retail purchase decisions in India, with Meta platforms accounting for 96 per cent of social discovery.
The report highlighted that short-form videos and creators are accelerating product discovery, with 97 per cent of consumers watching such content daily and 60 per cent of time on Facebook and Instagram spent on video.
It further noted that 72 per cent of product discovery takes place on WhatsApp, underlining the platform’s growing role in digital commerce and business engagement.
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