WhatsApp is reportedly working on custom emoji reactions for iPhone. The feature would let users change the app’s six default reactions to emojis they like.
Right now, every iPhone owner sees the same six icons when they long-press a message. But the upcoming tool would let people build a reaction tray that actually matches how they text.
WhatsApp custom emoji reactions found in latest iOS beta
WhatsApp is one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, with more than 3 billion monthly active users globally. Owned by Meta, it lets people send messages, make voice and video calls, share photos and files and communicate in group chats. It’s particularly dominant outside the United States, making it a crucial way for people around the world to stay in touch.
The discovery of custom emoji reactions comes from a beta of WhatsApp for iOS version 26.32.10.16, which is currently live on TestFlight. WABetaInfo found references to a new “Default reactions” setting, which allows users to pick which emoji shows up when they tap and hold a message.
The reaction tray is currently locked to six icons. These include the thumbs up, a red heart, a face with tears of joy, a surprised face, a crying face and folded hands. Everyone sees the same set, and there is no built-in way to change it.
Anyone who wants to send a different reaction must tap the plus button and dig through the full emoji keyboard
The new setting may work the same way as the one developers found on Android last month. This means users would be able to replace any of the fixed default emojis with their choice. You could either swap out just one icon or overhaul the entire lineup. Or you could also restore the original six.
All this could be locked behind WhatsApp Plus
The custom reaction tray may not be free for everyone. It is reported to be tied to WhatsApp Plus, the app’s optional subscription tier. WhatsApp Plus already lets subscribers change their accent color, pick custom app icons and access exclusive sticker packs. The subscription went live in April 2026 and arrived on iPhone the following month.
A custom reaction tray fits cleanly into that lineup. WhatsApp Plus is built around letting people change small details of the app. And reactions are among the most-used features in any chat.
The feature is currently not active even for beta testers, and there’s no public timeline for when it will roll out more broadly. For now, iPhone owners will have to keep using the plus button to find reactions outside the default six.
Anurag Chawake is a tech-focused writer specializing in smartphones, apps and consumer technology. His interest in computers began during the Windows 98 era, eventually leading him to explore everything from operating systems to mobile devices and PC hardware. Anurag previously contributed to The Indian Express, covering Apple, Android, gaming and the broader technology landscape.
