WhatsApp iOS Beta Adds Channel Invite Feature, Giving Admins a New Way to Grow Followers

WhatsApp has rolled out a new beta update for iOS users via Apple’s TestFlight program, bringing the app to version 25.37.10.74. The update introduces a practical new feature aimed at improving channel discovery: admins can now directly invite their contacts to follow a WhatsApp channel.

The feature is currently available to a limited number of beta testers and is expected to roll out gradually to more users in the coming weeks. It mirrors a similar capability already being tested on Android, signaling WhatsApp’s push toward feature parity across platforms.

What’s New in WhatsApp Beta for iOS 25.37.10.74?

The highlight of this update is a new “Invite contacts” option for channel admins. Instead of relying solely on public links or external promotion, admins can now invite people directly from their contact list.

The option appears within the channel information screen, where a dedicated section clearly surfaces the invitation tool among other channel settings.

Once accessed, admins can:

• Browse their iPhone contacts
• Manually select up to 64 contacts at a time
• Send a pre-generated invitation message

Each invitation includes a clear action button that opens a channel preview and allows recipients to follow the channel instantly.

How the Channel Invitation Feature Works

Behind the scenes, WhatsApp uses a temporary broadcast list to deliver channel invitations. This allows the same invite message to be sent to multiple contacts simultaneously without triggering spam detection mechanisms.

However, there is an important limitation:

• Only contacts who have saved the admin’s phone number can receive the invitation

This restriction ensures that invitations are sent only within established contact relationships, reducing the risk of unsolicited messages and maintaining WhatsApp’s anti-spam standards.

Why WhatsApp Is Expanding Channel Tools on iOS

WhatsApp Channels have steadily evolved since their introduction, but discovery has remained a challenge, especially for new or niche channels. By allowing admins to invite contacts directly, WhatsApp is shifting channel growth toward intentional, trust-based discovery.

For admins, this means:

• Better control over who receives invitations
• Easier onboarding of early followers
• Reduced dependence on public links or external platforms

For recipients, seeing a channel invite arrive from a known contact adds context and credibility, making them more likely to explore and follow the channel.

A Boost for New and Niche Channels

The feature could be particularly valuable for:

• New channels trying to build an initial audience
• Work-related or community-based channels
• Local news, interest-based, or professional updates

Starting with a smaller, more relevant audience often leads to higher engagement on early posts. This can help a channel appear active and useful from the outset, encouraging continued growth.

Consistency Across Android and iOS

WhatsApp previously tested the same invitation feature on Android, and its arrival on iOS suggests a deliberate effort to standardize channel management tools across platforms.

For admins who operate channels across multiple devices, this consistency simplifies workflow and reduces friction when managing invitations and promotions.

Availability and Rollout Status

The channel invitation feature is:

• Rolling out gradually
• Available to some beta testers on WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.37.10.74
• Possibly visible to a small number of stable App Store users

As with most WhatsApp features, availability may vary based on server-side activation and user eligibility. A wider rollout is expected once WhatsApp completes real-world testing.

By prioritizing contact-based discovery over algorithmic promotion, WhatsApp is positioning Channels as a more personal and controlled alternative to broadcast-style social feeds.