WhatsApp is advancing its disappearing messages functionality by introducing a new feature that causes messages to vanish after a single view. This enhancement builds on the existing options that allow users to set messages to automatically disappear after 24 hours, seven days, or 90 days.
In a significant development, the Meta-owned messaging platform is experimenting with additional timer settings to offer users greater control over message lifespan. Earlier indications suggested WhatsApp was exploring shorter timer durations, ranging from one to 12 hours, for disappearing messages.
Meanwhile, the latest update under development introduces a unique timer called “After reading.” When this option is enabled, messages will disappear from the sender’s chat 15 minutes after being sent. On the recipient’s side, however, messages will vanish 15 minutes after they have been opened. If the recipient does not open the message, it will automatically be deleted after 24 hours.
Notably, users will have the flexibility to activate this timer for specific individual chats or apply it as the default setting across all conversations. This feature is currently in the testing phase and is anticipated to be included in a future WhatsApp update, providing users with more nuanced control over their message privacy.
