WhatsApp is testing a new feature that automatically moves messages from large businesses into a dedicated "Offers & Updates" folder after a set period of time, according to a report by GSM Arena carried by ANI. The messaging platform is responding to a common complaint: conversation threads from large businesses such as banks and airlines quickly crowd the main inbox, making it harder for users to track personal chats, GSM Arena reported.
Folder targets enterprise message volume
The feature under testing moves messages from large businesses into the new "Offers & Updates" folder after a predefined number of hours has passed since the messages were received, GSM Arena reported. WhatsApp is reportedly testing different durations, with time limits of up to 24 hours. Users who do not want the feature can disable it through the app's settings. However, the report notes that users will not be able to choose their own preferred duration; they must either accept the timing decided by Meta or turn the feature off completely.
Promotional and operational messages separated
The primary goal of the new folder is to keep promotional content, such as discount codes, along with delivery updates, out of the main chat list, creating a cleaner messaging experience, according to the report.
The primary goal of the new folder is to keep promotional content, such as discount codes, along with delivery updates, out of the main chat list, creating a cleaner messaging experience.
For now, the feature applies only to messages from large businesses. Small businesses and personal accounts are currently exempt, GSM Arena reported. WhatsApp will explore extending the same functionality to messages from small businesses in the future, the report added. No information is available yet on when the feature could be rolled out more widely.
What the test means for business messaging
For enterprise users, the test introduces a structural separation between transactional updates and promotional content within WhatsApp. GSM Arena's report places delivery updates in the same folder as discount codes. The reported test durations, with time limits of up to 24 hours, mean messages from large businesses could be moved into the folder within a day of receipt. The feature currently exempts small businesses and personal accounts, but WhatsApp will explore extending the same functionality to small-business messages, GSM Arena reported. That potential expansion gives supply chain technology managers a reason to monitor the feature's rollout, though no launch date is available.
| Feature aspect | Details according to GSM Arena |
|---|---|
| Feature name | Offers & Updates folder |
| Trigger | Messages from large businesses moved automatically |
| Timing | After a predefined number of hours; testing durations up to 24 hours |
| User control | Can disable via settings; cannot choose custom duration |
| Eligible senders | Large businesses; small businesses and personal accounts exempt |
| Future scope | Exploration of extending to small-business messages |
| Rollout | Under testing; no launch date given |
The test was reported on August 1, 2026.
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