WhatsApp’s ‘disappearing messages’ feature has been around for a while. It was however, only applicable to texts and not to media. Users will be able to submit self-destructing images via individual chats and groups in a latest version of WhatsApp.
The function was discovered by Wabetainfo in an upcoming version of WhatsApp. Users can also set a timer for the picture to self-delete after a certain amount of time has passed. This seems to be close to the way disappearing messages on Instagram Direct operate. Finally, a forthcoming update would bring self-deleting images to both Android and iOS versions of WhatsApp.
For a long time, Telegram, like many other ‘new’ WhatsApp features, has enabled users to submit self-delete images over hidden and daily chats. It also makes it impossible for users to take screenshots of self-deleting media.
WhatsApp’s desktop edition is unlikely to support the feature. Yet, there’s no news about when multi-device support will be available. Self-deleting media, when combined with end-to-end encryption and multiple devices, can be a little tricky to master. As a result, it might be some time before we see any of these on WhatsApp.
