WhatsApp is working on a new feature to make chat management easier for users of its premium subscription service, WhatsApp Plus. Discovered in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.39.9 update, this new function allows users to automatically control notifications for specific chat lists.

WhatsApp Plus users will be able to automatically mute or hide selected chats outside of their previously defined working hours or personal time slots. This feature aims to optimize digital attention management without the need for manual intervention.

How Focus Timing Works

The newly developed Focus Timing feature allows users to create customizable time windows through their chat list settings.

Users can give each list a custom name and choose which chats are included in this rule. In future updates, it is planned that users will be able to define multiple time periods on the same list.

Notifications and Privacy Rules are Being Defined

During the specified working hours or permitted time periods, users can continue to receive all notifications as usual. However, outside of these periods, the previously configured rules come into effect.

Users can choose to mute notifications entirely or hide the chat from the main screen. This flexibility offers a critical advantage for users who want to maintain a balance between work and private life.

Multiple List Management is Provided

Premium subscribers can create multiple schedules for different scenarios. For example, a ‘Work’ list covering working hours can be kept active between 09:00 and 17:00 on weekdays, while a different list containing friend groups can be activated in the evenings and on weekends. Thus, WhatsApp automatically filters notification traffic based on the user’s current status.

WhatsApp Plus Increases Personalization Options

WhatsApp Plus continues to offer premium tools for custom stickers, themes, and profile editing that differentiate it from the standard application. Focus Timing is the newest addition to this expanding feature set. This new tool eliminates the hassle of manually turning notifications on and off all the time, taking users’ control over the application to a more professional level.

Future Updates Expected

This feature is currently only in development and is not yet available to general beta testers. WhatsApp has not announced an official date for when this new feature will be available to all users. Once the development process is complete, users will be able to access these advanced scheduling options from the application settings.

How do you think this automatic notification management feature for WhatsApp chat lists will affect your daily work and social life stability? Don’t forget to share your intentions with us in the comments section below.