WhatsApp is Getting a Makeover: Profile Cover Photos are Coming!

 For years, your WhatsApp profile has been a relatively simple affair: a circular display picture (DP), a name, and a short "About" blurb. But that’s about to change. Following in the footsteps of Facebook and LinkedIn, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a feature that lets you add Profile Cover Photos.

This update marks a significant shift for the messaging giant as it moves toward becoming a more expressive social hub. Here’s everything we know about the change so far.

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What’s Changing?

The new feature adds a rectangular banner at the top of your profile page, sitting directly behind or above your circular profile photo. This gives you a much larger canvas to showcase your personality, interests, or even your professional brand.

Feature	Current Setup	Upcoming Update
Profile Header	Plain background with Name/DP	Wide-screen Cover Photo banner
Visual Focus	Circular Profile Picture only	Dual layout: Profile Photo + Cover Photo
Customization	Minimal	High (similar to Facebook/LinkedIn)

How It Works

According to recent beta leaks for both iOS (version 26.1.10.71) and Android, setting a cover photo will be as intuitive as changing your status.

• Easy Uploads: You’ll be able to tap a dedicated area in your profile settings to snap a new photo or choose one from your gallery.

• Repositioning: Just like other social platforms, you can drag and adjust the image to make sure the best part is visible.

• Business Origins: This feature actually isn't "new" to the WhatsApp ecosystem—it has been available for WhatsApp Business accounts for some time. Now, it’s finally making its way to standard personal accounts.

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Privacy First: Who Can See Your Cover?

WhatsApp knows that privacy is a top priority for its users. The developers are already building integrated privacy controls specifically for cover photos. You won't be forced into a "public" profile unless you want to be.

You will likely see the familiar privacy options:

• Everyone: Any WhatsApp user can see your cover photo.

• My Contacts: Only people saved in your address book can see it.

• My Contacts Except...: Allows you to block specific individuals from seeing your banner.

• Nobody: Keeps your profile look minimal by hiding the cover photo from everyone.

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Why the Change Matters

This update is more than just a fresh coat of paint. It represents a "socialization" of WhatsApp. By adding cover photos, WhatsApp is encouraging users to treat their profile as a digital identity rather than just a contact card.

• For Personal Users: It’s a way to share a favorite sunset, a group photo, or a motivational quote.

• For Professionals: It allows freelancers and creators to add a touch of branding to their personal accounts without switching to a Business profile.

When Can You Get It?

As of January 2026, the feature is still in the beta testing phase. It has been spotted in the wild by testers on both iPhone and Android. While there is no official global release date yet, the level of polish seen in recent builds suggests a rollout could happen in the coming months.

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What do you think of this update? Are you excited to finally customize your WhatsApp profile, or do you prefer the old, simple look?

Would you like me to keep an eye on the official rollout dates for your specific device?