WhatsApp Tests a Dedicated Location Request Feature on Android

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a “Request location” feature for Android that will let users ask contacts to share their location via WhatsApp. The new feature was revealed by Android Authority in WhatsApp’s Android app code (version 2.26.41.11).

WhatsApp’s potential new “Request location” feature would streamline the process of asking someone for their location. Instead of having to explain where someone can find the location-sharing feature in WhatsApp or sending a separate message, this would give users a button to request someone’s location directly in the chat.

What Is WhatsApp’s New Request Location Feature?

The new “Request location” option would appear in WhatsApp’s “Send location” menu, alongside the existing “Share location” and “Live location” options, according to Android Authority. The leaker tested the new feature by enabling it on an Android phone and reported being able to select the new “Request location” option. It resulted in a “Location request” card being sent to the recipient.

It is unclear exactly what the recipient would see when they get a “Location request” card, or if they would even be able to accept or deny the request to share their location. Android Authority was not able to test the feature on a second phone, as the message showed up as “unsupported” on their end.

Why WhatsApp’s Location Request Feature Matters

WhatsApp has not yet commented on the feature, and it is unclear if or when it might debut on Android. Apple’s iMessage already has a similar “Request location” feature, though it is unclear if WhatsApp’s “Request location” feature will work in the same way.

New features are often discovered in apps through a process called APK teardowns, which is what Android Authority did with WhatsApp. An APK teardown involves looking at an app’s code to guess at features that are in development, but not yet officially released. This means that the feature might change or be cancelled before it is officially released to users.

When Will WhatsApp Release the Request Location Feature?

Keep an eye out for WhatsApp to confirm the feature and provide more details about how it will work, including what options the recipient will have and when the feature will be available. There is also much more to learn about this feature beyond what was found in this particular APK teardown. How this feature would interact with the Android version of WhatsApp beyond “Share location” and “Live location” options is also unclear, as well as what other privacy options may be included.

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