WhatsApp to add birthday notifications

WhatsApp is developing a birthday reminder feature for its new Contacts tab on iOS, allowing users to receive birthday notifications without having to manually enter the dates into WhatsApp.

WhatsApp is developing a birthday reminder feature for its new Contacts tab on iOS, allowing users to receive birthday notifications without having to manually enter the dates into WhatsApp.

According to WABetaInfo, the feature is part of a broader structural change first spotted in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.26.10.16. The update introduces a dedicated Contacts tab, replacing the current Updates tab in the bottom navigation bar.

Status updates and Channels are being moved to the Chats tab as part of the redesign.

WhatsApp will not maintain a separate birthday database. Instead, the app will scan the birthday information already saved in the iPhone’s Contacts app.

For users who have already entered birthdays in their iPhone contacts, WhatsApp will be able to display the information automatically. Those who have not added birthdays can simply enter the dates in the Contacts app.

The birthday reminder appeared in iOS beta version 26.38.10.18, currently available through TestFlight. It displays a cake emoji followed by the “Birthday today” label below the contact’s name, keeping the reminder visible throughout the day.

According to WhatsApp, the new Contacts tab will be more than just a digital phone book. It is expected to provide additional information about contacts, including their status, recent activity and birthdays.

The feature is currently being tested on iOS, and it is not yet clear when WhatsApp will make the birthday reminders available to all users.