TL;DR
WhatsApp is testing a new “Peripherals” section in its Linked Devices screen to list paired accessories such as Apple Watch, and it is also trialing a redesigned Clear Chat storage tool that lets users remove messages or specific media categories. Both features appeared in recent TestFlight builds; there is no public release date yet.
What happened
Recent TestFlight builds of WhatsApp for iOS introduced two experimental changes. Build 25.37.10.71 adds a Peripherals category under Linked Devices that displays an associated Apple Watch’s name and the last active timestamp. Unlike other linked clients shown in the same interface, the beta does not provide an in-app unlink option for the watch; iOS users are instructed to delete WhatsApp from the watch to unpair it. A follow-up beta, build 25.37.10.72, brings a redesigned Clear Chat interface that breaks storage down by category and offers granular deletion choices: clear all messages, remove all except starred messages, or delete selected media types. When choosing to clear media, users can pick categories such as documents, photos, videos, stickers, and audio, or opt to remove all media including starred items. The features were reported by WABetaInfo and covered by 9to5Mac; Meta has not announced availability timelines.
Why it matters
- Greater visibility of paired accessories can help users detect unauthorized linkings, improving account transparency and security.
- More granular storage controls let users manage device space and chat content without deleting entire conversations.
- The inability to unlink a paired Apple Watch from the iOS app highlights a current limitation in user control that could affect people in sensitive situations.
- Cross-platform parity (iOS and Android) of the new management tools may speed adoption once visible in wider betas.
Key facts
- Peripherals category appeared in TestFlight build 25.37.10.71.
- Peripherals shows the Apple Watch name and its last active date and time.
- The iOS beta does not permit unlinking the Apple Watch from the app; users must delete the app from the watch to unpair.
- Clear Chat enhancements are included in TestFlight build 25.37.10.72.
- Clear Chat displays storage usage by category and offers options to clear all messages, keep starred messages, or delete media types selectively.
- Media categories selectable for deletion include documents, photos, videos, stickers, and audio.
- There is an option to clear all media at once, which can include starred media.
- WABetaInfo first reported the changes; 9to5Mac published coverage based on that reporting.
- No release date or wider rollout schedule has been announced by Meta.
What to watch next
- Whether Meta will add an in-app unlink option for paired Apple Watches in future builds (not confirmed in the source).
- The timing and scope of a public release for the Peripherals and Clear Chat features (not confirmed in the source).
- If the Peripherals view will be extended to other accessory types or include additional security controls (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- TestFlight: Apple’s platform for distributing iOS app betas to testers before public release.
- Linked Devices: WhatsApp menu section that lists devices and clients connected to a user’s account.
- Starred messages: Messages a user has marked to save or highlight for quicker access later.
- Peripherals (in-app): A proposed Linked Devices subcategory intended to list connected accessories such as smartwatches.
Reader FAQ
How do I unlink an Apple Watch from WhatsApp?
According to the beta, you must delete WhatsApp from the Apple Watch to unpair it; there is no in-app unlink option on iOS in the tested build.
Can I selectively delete media from a chat?
Yes. The Clear Chat beta lets users pick media categories—documents, photos, videos, stickers, audio—to delete, or clear all media at once.
Will these features arrive on Android?
The Clear Chat interface has seen a similar rollout in the Android beta, but broader availability and timing are not confirmed in the source.
When will these features be released to all users?
Not confirmed in the source.
iOS 26 lets you customize Liquid Glass on your iPhone, here’s how Ryan Christoffel Dec 23 2025 AD WHATSAPP WhatsApp working to show connected peripherals and improve chat, storage management…
Sources
- WhatsApp working to show connected peripherals and improve chat, storage management
- How to Clear and Create More Storage on WhatsApp
- WhatsApp Begins Testing Support for Viewing Connected …
- WhatsApp Will Soon Let You Manage Storage on a Per- …
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