WhatsApp update could be the biggest in years – And it’s not Dark Mode

WhatsApp launched over a decade ago and has since become a global phenomenon – it is easily the most popular third-party messaging app on the planet.

One of the reasons for the software’s success is surely its feature set that has steadily expanded during its tenure on Android and iOS.

Within the last year a cavalcade of new features have arrived for WhatsApp that include group video and voice calling, picture-in-picture support and stickers.

But it seems the firm is not stopping there – a new report has suggested a payments system could soon debut for the messaging client.

Business Today claimed Will Cathcart, the global head of WhatsApp, said the firm has been testing a payments system in India and could roll it out in a full capacity later this year.

The outlet insisted the debut of a payments system for WhatsApp would challenge the likes of Google Pay that are incredibly popular across the world.

It is worth noting the report indicated the WhatsApp payments feature could be limited to India at launch.

Cathcart was quoted as saying: “We believe that if we get this right, it will accelerate financial inclusion and bring value for people in India’s fast growing digital economy.

Business Today declared the firm is planning to make sending money to others as “easy as sending a message on the platform”.

WhatsApp was reported to have developed a system engineered to store payment data in compliance with the Reserve Bank of India’s policies.

Back in 2017 Apple launched Apple Cash, a feature designed to send money to others in iMessage.

Although the function is still limited to the US, it is incredibly handy for instantaneous transfers.

The report by Business Today suggests WhatsApp’s claimed system could work in a similar manner.

WhatsApp has not said precisely when its payment feature could launch in India – it is presumed the tool would debut in other countries after its initial release, however this is not confirmed.