GoKawiilWhatsApp rolls out in-chat search button for iOS users
WhatsApp is officially rolling out a new search button within individual chats, groups, and channels on iOS after weeks of beta testing. The button appears at the top of the screen when users scroll up through a conversation and disappears when they return to the bottom, letting them search messages without leaving the chat.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Previously, searching within a conversation required navigating to the contact or group info screen first, adding unnecessary steps. This contextual button simplifies message retrieval, a small but frequent user action, reflecting WhatsApp's ongoing effort to refine everyday usability rather than add major new features.
- The search button appears only when scrolling up in a chat, group, or channel
- It replaces the older method of accessing search through the chat info screen
- The rollout is gradual and may take time to reach all iOS users
Source: 9to5mac.com — Marcus Mendes, 2026-09-18
Published there as: “WhatsApp starts rolling out new in-chat search button on iOS”
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