WhatsApp is developing a “Save as draft” feature for status updates to prevent users from losing unfinished content upon exiting the creation screen, according to Android Authority. This addresses interruptions during the time-consuming process, with code appearing in version 2.25.36.6 through an APK teardown.
The status feature in WhatsApp allows users to share temporary updates similar to stories on other platforms. Creating these updates involves selecting media, adding text, or arranging elements, which can take considerable time. Interruptions often occur, forcing users to restart from scratch if they leave the editing interface prematurely. The new draft functionality aims to resolve this issue by preserving partial work.
In the upcoming implementation, when a user attempts to exit the status creation screen with unsaved changes, a pop-up prompt will appear stating “Save before exiting.” This dialog provides three options: “Save as draft,” “Discard,” or “Continue editing.” Selecting “Save as draft” stores the current progress, making it accessible the next time the user opens the status creation screen. This mechanism mirrors draft-saving capabilities found in other applications, ensuring continuity in content creation.
The code for this feature has been identified in WhatsApp version 2.25.36.6, indicating active development. Edgar Cervantes from Android Authority conducted the APK teardown that revealed these elements. The draft will display prominently upon re-entering the editing mode, allowing seamless resumption of work on text, images, or other status components.
Alongside the draft tool, WhatsApp is preparing an animated “2026” sticker specifically for Layout statuses. Layout statuses enable users to combine multiple images into a grid format within a single update. This sticker adds a celebratory element, likely tied to the upcoming year.
The “2026” sticker features animation and interactivity. Users can tap it to cycle through three color variations: green, red, and purple. During the APK teardown, researchers enabled this sticker experimentally in the Layout status creation process, confirming its functionality. It integrates into the sticker selection menu for easy application over grid-based images.
Neither the draft-saving option nor the “2026” sticker is available in the current public version of WhatsApp. The sticker’s rollout is anticipated soon due to its time-sensitive nature, aligning with the transition to 2026. Developers prioritize such features to ensure timely availability for users planning year-end content.
An APK teardown involves analyzing the application’s installation file to uncover in-progress code and assets. This method predicts potential future additions by examining unreleased strings, images, and logic. However, features discovered this way, including the draft tool and “2026” sticker, may undergo changes or not reach public release if development priorities shift.
