WhatsApp: Features, Security, and Privacy in 2026

WhatsApp Messenger remains a dominant force in global communication as of February 2026, offering instant messaging, voice over IP (VoIP) calls, and social media features. Owned by Meta Platforms, the service continues to evolve, with recent stable releases for iOS (25.19.83, July 8, 2025), Android (2.25.19.80, July 8, 2025), Windows (2.2526.2.0, July 4, 2025), and macOS (25.19.83, July 8, 2025). An Android beta version (2.25.20.11, July 8, 2025) is similarly available for testing new features.

Key Features and Availability

WhatsApp is available in 40 languages for iOS and 60 languages for Android users. The application sizes are approximately 183.7 MB on iOS and 48.02 MB on Android. Users can discover and connect with businesses directly through the app, accessing a dedicated “Businesses” section within the “New Chat” menu [1].

Technical Details

The application is written in Erlang and operates on Android, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Windows, Wear OS, Meta Quest, and watchOS platforms. WhatsApp is proprietary software governed by an End User License Agreement (EULA).

Privacy and Data Sharing Concerns

Historically, concerns have been raised regarding WhatsApp’s privacy policies and data sharing practices. Discussions in 2021 highlighted potential information sharing with Instagram [4], though specific details of current data handling require further investigation through official WhatsApp documentation.

Support and Resources

Users can find assistance and answers to frequently asked questions through the WhatsApp Aid Center [3]. For general information about the service, including its history and relationship to Meta, visit the WhatsApp Wikipedia page [1].