WhatsApp is developing a new feature for iOS that expands multi-account support from two accounts to three. Soon, a single iPhone will be able to stay logged into three WhatsApp accounts at once — each with its own chat history, notifications, backups and settings, kept fully independent.
What is multi-account?
In early 2026, WhatsApp rolled out the multi-account feature on iOS, letting users add a second account to the same app without logging out of the first. Each account has its own chat history, notifications, backup and settings, and users can switch between them directly from the app settings. The limit at the time was two accounts.
What is being tested now?
According to tech outlet WABetaInfo, the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.37.10.15 update contains work on support for a third account. Users will be able to add a third account from the app settings, or through the "Switch accounts" option to add a new phone number. The third account works exactly like the first two, so there is nothing new to learn.
The account selector shows each account's name, profile photo and phone number, with a green checkmark on the one currently in use.
Why a third account?
Two accounts are enough for many people, but some need a third for different reasons. Someone juggling personal, work and side-business numbers already knows two slots are not always enough. Before WhatsApp introduced multi-account on iOS, users had to rely on a second phone or switch to the WhatsApp Business app. Support for a third account solves exactly that problem.
What it means for Hong Kong SMEs
Many Hong Kong business owners, salespeople and freelancers handle personal and business WhatsApp on a single phone. Support for three accounts brings a few practical benefits:
- No more second phone — personal, business and side-gig accounts all on one iPhone
- Clear separation — each account has its own notifications, so you always know which account a message came from
- Independent backups — each account backs up separately, so switching devices is painless
- No forced WhatsApp Business — you don't need a separate app just to keep identities apart
When can you use it?
The feature is still in development and not yet ready for beta testing, and WhatsApp has not shared an official timeline for public release. Based on how WhatsApp usually works, it will likely roll out to some beta testers first before gradually reaching everyone. To get it first, keep an eye on WhatsApp beta updates on iOS.
Summary
Expanding multi-account from two to three is a genuinely useful improvement — especially for users and SMEs juggling multiple identities, saving a device and a good deal of hassle.