WhatsApp is developing new features for iOS and Android to track user birthdays and display reminders directly within the app, according to code analysis by the tech publication WABetaInfo.
The messaging platform is testing updates that integrate contact birthdates from device address books into specific app interfaces. These changes aim to surface upcoming celebrations automatically without requiring manual data entry within WhatsApp itself.
Birthday Markers in the Contacts Tab
In the WhatsApp iOS beta version 26.38.10.70, discovered by WABetaInfo, developers are reshaping the core menus. The platform plans to introduce a dedicated contacts tab that replaces the current updates area, moving status updates and channels directly into the main chats list.
Within this new contacts view, WhatsApp will display a cake emoji alongside the text “Birthday today” directly beneath a contact’s name. This indicator will remain visible for the entire duration of the birthday, provided the date is saved in the user’s smartphone address book. WhatsApp will pull this data automatically and sync any updates made to the local contact card.
Permanent Birthday Fields in User Profiles
Alongside temporary daily markers, WhatsApp is building a permanent profile field for birthdays. Code analysis shows this dedicated field will appear near the top of a contact’s information screen, positioned immediately below their name and last-seen status.
Unlike the ephemeral tab indicators that appear only on the specific day, this profile entry will remain accessible year-round. Both features remain unreleased and are currently unavailable even to registered beta testers.
Upcoming Reminders and Android Beta Findings
Android beta version 2.26.27.3, spotted in July 2026, revealed supplementary notification frameworks.
Official release timelines remain unannounced. Because these features are actively under development in beta channels, developers may alter the visual layout or core functionality before a public rollout. It remains unconfirmed whether all planned features will launch simultaneously across both Android and iOS operating systems.
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