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WhatsApp might be working on an "AirDrop-like" feature to share files across devices. According to WABetaInfo, the popular messaging app is working on an update to make it easy for users to share files with nearby devices.
According to the report, WABetaInfo found out that WhatsApp is developing a new file-sharing feature with people nearby in the recent WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.2.20 update, similar to Apple's AirDrop and Android's Nearby Share feature. You can expect this feature to be included in a future app update.
Even though this new feature is still in the early development stages, the report has shed some light on how the feature might work. To share files, users simply need to have the 'People nearby' section open on their devices and shake their devices when they are close to the person they want to share with. The other person would then need to shake their device to see and accept the shared file.
"It appears that it will be needed to shake the device to generate a share request, maintaining a controlled approach to file exchanges," wrote WABetaInfo.
In terms of security, shared files will probably be protected by end-to-end encryption. To protect user privacy, phone numbers will be hidden when files are shared with people who are not in their contacts.
"It’s important to note that sharing is end-to-end encrypted. This means that sharing files remains secure even outside of a WhatsApp chat and in an unknown network environment," WABetaInfo added.
At this point, there is uncertainty about any possible restrictions on file size, type, or quantity. It's also unclear when the feature will be added to the stable version of the app. More details will be available once the feature officially rolls out, so we'll have to wait for updates.