It’s very different from anything we’ve seen in the app.

• The application assumes that files can be transferred between neighboring devices.

• This feature is similar to AirDrop on iOS or Nearby Share on Android.

WhatsApp is working on a new way to share files. This is functionality noticeably different everything we’ve seen in the app, and it seems to be based on the sharing capabilities included in our mobile phone operating systems.

When we share files on WhatsApp, we usually do so directly from the chat window of the respective contact. This means that we need to know your number to do this. The latest version of the app is an alternative to easily share files between neighboring devices.

Share files on WhatsApp without knowing your number

According to WABetaInfo, the meta messaging app is working on a file sharing feature similar to what it offers us. iOS AirDrop or Nearby Share for Android. The idea, as we say, is to share files with other people nearby who have WhatsApp.

To start sharing files, both people must be nearby and logged into the People Nearby section of the app. Once this step is completed, they will be visible in the menu and will be able to send requests to share images, videos or any other type of saved files.

The two most interesting aspects of this upcoming functionality are that it will allow you to share files with strangers. In this case, the telephone number of both participants will remain hidden. Additionally, the app promises to maintain end-to-end encryption security during the process.

Some details about this new feature will emerge over time. At the moment we do not know whether there will be a limit. The maximum size supported by the messaging app currently is 2GB. As our colleagues at Xataka Android say, WhatsApp is not designed for sending large files.

It should be noted that this functionality was discovered in internal tests, and at the moment not available in beta versions of the application. As a result, more experienced users are unable to try it out. We’ll have to wait to see if it’s finally rolled out to everyone.

Images: Eyestetix Studio | WABetaInfo

In Hatak: WhatsApp says it cares about privacy, but anyone can know how many devices you use