New Delhi, Oct. 10 -- WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will allow users to reserve their desired usernames ahead of the official rollout. This early reservation system aims to give users the ability to secure their preferred identifiers before the feature becomes publicly available-eliminating the rush and competition for popular names at launch.

The development was first reported by WABetaInfo, based on the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.28.12.

The upcoming username feature aligns with WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to enhance privacy by reducing reliance on phone numbers for contact identification. The system reportedly integrates a matching key mechanism designed to decouple user identity from their mobile number-offerin...