【】

Eight months after launching self-destructing posts on Android, WhatsApp is rolling out the same feature to iOS beta users.

As reported by WABetaInfo, the "view once" function lets folks send photos and videos that disappear after their first screening. To find out if the feature is available to you, look for an explanatory pop-up next time you send an image or clip. Moving forward, users will also see a blue-and-white "1" icon in the caption text box.

New messages automatically disappear from your device, and also from a recipient's device once opened. What appears after the deletion occurs is text noting the content has been "Opened." Additional details—when it was delivered and seen—can be found via Message Info. The setting does not affect messages sent or received prior to activation.

Mashable Light SpeedWant more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Thanks for signing up!

As with any fleeting function, WhatsApp encourages people to proceed with caution. It's still possible to screenshot, copy, or take a photo of content before it disappears, so think twice before sending embarrassing photos, awkward sexts, and deciding to have sensitive discussions. The new feature is currently rolling out to iOS beta users, and there's no word on when (or if) it will be released to the general public. WhatsApp did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.

---

Prime Day deals you can shop right now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

• Shark RV2310 Matrix Vacuum With Self-Cleaning Brushroll—$179.99(List Price $299.99)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet—$142.49(List Price $219.99)

• Apple AirPods With Wired Charging Case (2nd Gen)—$69.00(List Price $129.00)

• Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker With 6-Months Membership—$99.95(List Price $159.95)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm, Midnight, S/M, Sports Band)—$279.99(List Price $399.00)

---

When the Facebook-owned chat service launched its optional Android element in November, it offered a seven-day viewing window—after which posts will disappear, even if the recipient doesn't open WhatsApp during that period. Other notable caveats: text quoted in reply to a disappearing message could remain in the chat after one week, and messages will not disappear if forwarded to a conversation with the feature turned off. In one-to-one chats, either user can toggle the function on or off; in groups, admins have control.

TopicsWhatsApp

(责任编辑：百科)