WhatsApp is introducing a new feature, as part of the WhatsApp beta for Mac 24.19.71 update, that will enable users to access and follow channels on their Mac, WABetaInfo reported.
In the latest update — available on the TestFlight app — users can view channels directly from the Status tab, which has now been renamed to Updates, giving users access to both status updates and channels from the Mac Catalyst app.
Previously, users were limited to viewing certain channel updates only through notifications due to the lack of full support for viewing them, WABetaInfo reported.
Additionally, WhatsApp is transitioning users' ability to access channels from the Mac Electron app to the new Mac Catalyst app, as the former is set to be deprecated next month.
Other than viewing channels, users can now follow their favourite channels directly from the Mac app and explore the channels directory by filtering channels based on country and category.
This may also allow users to discover new content that aligns with their interests, without needing to switch to the mobile app.
Although this feature is available in the latest Mac Catalyst beta version, it's important to note that channels may not yet be fully synced with the mobile app.
This means that channels followed on the mobile app might not immediately appear on the desktop app, so users may need to follow them again on the desktop.
Additionally, channel owners might temporarily be unable to share updates within their channels from their mobile device if they follow them from the Catalyst app.
Encountering such issues is expected as this is a beta version and the feature is still being refined. However, these bugs will be addressed in a future update.
The new feature is currently available to some beta testers and it will soon be rolled out to more people over the coming days.