WhatsApp has announced four updates for group chats: messages can stay pinned with no time limit, groups get their own Status updates, earlier messages can be sent to people who joined late, and a new filter gathers the unread chats where you were mentioned. The announcement was posted on the WhatsApp blog on October 29, 2026.

The company has not said when each feature reaches users or which devices get them first. Digital Trends and Business Today, which both reported on the post, give no dates either.

What are the four new WhatsApp group features?

  • Indefinite pins: a pinned message no longer needs an expiry, so it can stay at the top as long as the group wants it there.
  • History for late joiners: you can already choose to share recent messages when you add someone. Now you can also send recent messages after the person has joined, by tapping their name in the chat. WhatsApp says these messages stay end-to-end encrypted.
  • Group Status: a status update that only the members of one group can see.
  • Mentions filter: a chat filter for unread group conversations where you were mentioned, got a direct reply, or were included in an @all message.

How does Group Status work?

According to the WhatsApp blog, you share a status with a specific group and every member can view it, react to it and post their own. Like a regular status, it disappears after 24 hours.

The blog says “Group status makes it simple to share casual updates with specific groups.” Digital Trends points out that these updates stay inside that conversation, unlike a regular status that goes to selected contacts.

What does the mentions filter catch?

The filter collects unread group chats in three cases: someone mentioned you, someone replied directly to your message, or the message used @all. For anyone in several busy groups, that is a shorter list to check than scrolling every chat.

The same post also points to three features that already exist: private replies to one person inside a group, a poll setting that turns off multiple answers, and member tags, which show a short role or description on your group profile and can differ from group to group.

Is it available in Canada, and does it cost anything?

The sources do not say. Neither the WhatsApp blog nor the two outlets name Canada, the United States or any other country, and none of them gives a price. Treat the features as arriving over time rather than on a set day.

Who these updates suit

Group admins. Permanent pins fit rules, addresses, schedules and links that should not vanish after a few days.

Members of busy chats. The mentions filter is aimed at people who only need to see the messages meant for them.

Clubs, teams and families. Group Status gives a place for casual updates that stay with the group, and the history option helps when someone joins after plans were made.

Who should skip it. If you rarely use group chats, little changes for you.

What is still unknown

WhatsApp has not published a rollout schedule, a list of supported platforms or any usage figures. Check the WhatsApp blog post and your app’s update page, and look for the new options in a group chat once you have the latest version.