WhatsApp New Update Lets You Chat Without Sharing Your Phone Number

WhatsApp is testing a usernames feature that lets users share a unique handle instead of their phone number for chats; account creation will still require a phone number. Usernames must follow specific formatting rules, can be linked with Meta Accounts Center for cross-platform verification, and an optional four-digit "username key" can be required to message someone for the first time; rollout is phased and messages remain end-to-end encrypted.