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First look: How reactions in WhatsApp for iOS will work - 9to5Mac

Posted: 04 Sep 2021 04:56 AM PDT

Almost two weeks since WABetainfo was able to discover that WhatsApp's working on reactions to its messenger app, we now have a closer look at it.

As for now, reactions on WhatsApp are still under development so not even public beta testers can try it out for now. According to WABetaInfo, different from how iMessage's reaction works, the approach here is similar to what Instagram's been doing, so it's possible to use any emoji to react to a message.

Another important piece of information is that reactions aren't anonymous so in a group chat, people will know who reacted with what emoji.

In the picture below, you can see there are seven reactions, and, probably, the most recent or the most used reactions appear first.

WABetaInfo says this feature is being tested for iOS and Android devices. The last time we reported this feature, WhatsApp had only implemented a message when someone reacts to one of your messages and you were running a previous version of WhatsApp.

"You received a reaction. Update your version of WhatsApp to see reactions."

Not only that, over the past few weeks, WhatsApp has been working on multi-device support 2.0, which will bring an iPad app and let users connect to the app even without an internet connection with their phones or with it off.

The company also launched its public beta test for WhatsApp for Desktop. As for now, the latest update brings a redesigned voice message experience, in which you can see the waveforms as you speak and then listen to the message before sending it.

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Posted: 04 Sep 2021 06:00 AM PDT

The finish line is in sight! Apple's annual iPhone event is likely just a week or so away and all eyes will be on the company as it unveils the next version of its most popular product line. With any luck, we'll also see the next-generation Apple Watch and perhaps even some new AirPods.

Other news this week saw Apple making some more changes to its App Store policies in response to a Japanese investigation and delaying the rollout of its controversial child safety features that raised privacy concerns. Read on for details on these stories and more!

iPhone 13 Feature Breakdown: Everything Rumors Say We Can Expect

The calendar has turned to September and that means Apple's annual iPhone event is likely just around the corner. Ahead of time, we've put together a detailed breakdown of the iPhone 13's expected features, as well as a list of five iPhone 13 rumors you may have missed.

Apple has yet to announce a date for its iPhone event, but the safe bet is on Tuesday, September 14. It's likely that Apple Watch Series 7 models will be unveiled at the same event, and we've got more details on what to expect from that device and more below.

iPhone 13 Satellite Communication Rumor Disputed

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently said the iPhone 13 was "likely" to support Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication, a feature that he said would allow iPhone users to make calls and send messages when cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity is unavailable, but the rumor has since been disputed by some experts in the field.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman later provided new details on what the satellite capabilities could mean for future iPhones, but he says the feature is unlikely to launch this year.

What to Expect From the Apple Watch Series 7

The next-generation Apple Watch is likely just weeks away, and rumors suggest it will be a notable upgrade, complete with a new design, larger display sizes, a new color option, and more. Here is what to expect from the Apple Watch Series 7!

Apple is also reported to be working on several new health features for the Apple Watch, but most if not all of the features are expected to launch in 2022 or later.

Apple to Let Apps Like Netflix and Spotify Offer Links for Account Sign Ups Outside of the App Store

Apple this week announced that, starting in early 2022, it will allow developers of "reader" apps to include an in-app link to their website for users to set up or manage an account. "Reader" apps allow a user to access previously purchased content or subscription-based content for digital magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, and video, according to Apple, such as Netflix, Spotify, and the Amazon Kindle app.

While the change is a step in the right direction towards a fairer App Store, some developers think it isn't enough.

Apple Delays Rollout of Controversial Child Safety Features to Make Improvements

Apple this week delayed the rollout of the child safety features that it announced last month following negative feedback, the company has today announced. The planned features include scanning users' iCloud Photos libraries for Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), Communication Safety to warn children and their parents when receiving or sending sexually explicit photos, and expanded CSAM guidance in Siri and Search.

Apple confirmed that feedback from customers, non-profit and advocacy groups, researchers, and others about the plans has prompted the delay to give the company time to make improvements.

Apple's Upcoming AR/VR Headset to Require Connection to iPhone

For years, Apple has been rumored to be working on an AR/VR headset, and a report this week claimed that it will need to be wirelessly tethered to an iPhone or another Apple device to unlock full functionality — similar to the early days of the Apple Watch.

The report offers new details on the Apple-designed chip and other features we can expect from the headset, which is expected to launch in 2022 or later.

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

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