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New Delhi: WhatsApp has begun to release a new update on iOS that cleans up link previews and makes them easier to read in a conversation. This is one of the changes in WhatsApp continuing to make shared content look more like a conversation while not making messages look disorganised or disorderly.
WhatsApp 26.1.74 is now on the App Store, and with the update, the application can now be said to be fully functional. It adjusts the appearance of links with rich previews, turning them into something that appears more structured and at the same time leaves the essential information in sight of the users.
The new update means that WhatsApp does not have long and messy URLs when a preview is included on a link. Rather, it shows only the most significant components: the protocol of the website, the primary domain, and the top-level domain, as well as the preview card. This simplifies the reading of messages, particularly in a busy group chat where lengthy links tend to break the flow of discussion.
The remaining portion of the link path, which may be quite long, is hidden by default. This gives it a more professional appearance and allows people to pay attention to the content of the connection itself as opposed to the technical makeup.
WhatsApp has not stripped out the full URL, allowing users to be more detailed. Users can also tap and hold the shown domain name to display a menu which presents the entire link. There they have the ability to copy, open in the browser or include in the reading list.
This comes in handy when two links of the same site appear similar in preview, yet they go to different pages. It also makes sure that the cleaner design does not make the process too unclear.
This new display style is only applicable to links which have a rich preview and when the user who has sent the link has not turned off the link previews under their own privacy settings. Transparency will keep displaying the full URL in WhatsApp, unless the previews are switched off. The links posted in captions on images or videos will also remain in the same format.
WhatsApp claims that the feature will be included in a broader rollout, which will be available to more users in the next few weeks. At least, now, users of iOS who have upgraded to the newest version should begin to see more coherent and transparent link previews in their chats.
