WhatsApp, the world’s most widely used messaging app, is preparing to roll out a brand-new feature that will make status sharing more personalized and private. According to WABetaInfo, a platform that closely monitors WhatsApp’s development activities, the new option will initially be launched for iOS users in the coming days.

The feature, named “Status Updates with Close Friends”, will allow users to create a custom list of close friends. Once the list is set, users can post a status update that will only be visible to the people on that list, ensuring a more selective and intimate sharing experience.

This update mirrors a similar functionality already available on Instagram, where users can share stories exclusively with their “close friends” circle. By integrating this option, WhatsApp aims to enhance privacy while also giving users more control over who views their personal updates.

At present, users can manage the visibility of their statuses by choosing from three options—“My Contacts,” “My Contacts Except,” and “Only Share With.” However, this new feature is designed to simplify the process, making it easier for people who frequently post statuses to target a trusted group of friends without repeatedly adjusting privacy settings.

Though highly anticipated, WABetaInfo has not provided a confirmed date for when the feature will be available to all users. For now, it appears to be in the testing phase, with iOS users likely to receive it first before a global rollout across Android devices.

This development highlights WhatsApp’s continuing efforts to compete with rival platforms like Instagram and Snapchat by offering more personalized social-sharing experiences, in addition to its primary role as a messaging app.