WhatsApp introduces in-app contact management system

WhatsApp is adding a built-in contact manager that allows users to save contacts directly within the app, separate from the smartphone's address book.

This new feature aims to solve issues for users who lose access to their phone's contacts, share devices, or manage multiple accounts. Initially available on WhatsApp Web and Windows, the feature will eventually roll out to other linked devices.

Contacts saved in WhatsApp will be secured using Meta's new "Identity Proof Linked Storage" (IPLS) technology, which encrypts names and numbers.

Additionally, WhatsApp plans to introduce a username system, eliminating the need for phone numbers in the future.