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Introduction:
After a series of complaints from frustrated users, WhatsApp has finally addressed a major bug in its latest iOS update (version 25.16.74). The glitch, introduced in the previous version, blocked users from opening web links shared in chats, groups, or channels, disrupting communication and user experience. With this new update, WhatsApp not only resolves the link issue but also prepares to roll out further improvements. Here’s a breakdown of what’s been fixed, how it impacts your usage, and what’s coming next for iOS users.
Everything Fixed and Improved in WhatsApp iOS 25.16.74
The latest WhatsApp update for iOS (version 25.16.74) brings a much-needed bug fix that directly impacts how users interact with shared content. In the previous version (25.15.75), WhatsApp introduced a useful feature that allowed users to choose transcription languages for voice messages on a per-chat basis. While helpful, that update came with an unexpected flaw: users were no longer able to open web links within conversations.
When tapping on shared links inside individual chats, group threads, or community channels, the app failed to respond. The action was simply not recognized, leaving many confused and annoyed. The glitch especially affected users who rely on WhatsApp for accessing important external content — from business websites and event links to news articles and marketing promotions.
To temporarily manage the issue, some users discovered workarounds. By long-pressing a link, they could access a context menu to open it manually. Others navigated through the chat info menu to the “Shared Links” section and opened links from there. While these tricks worked, they were not obvious or user-friendly, causing more confusion for less tech-savvy users.
The new 25.16.74 version completely solves this problem. With the update, tapping on a link once again works as expected. The app now properly recognizes and processes the action, restoring normal interaction flow.
In addition to fixing the link issue, WhatsApp is preparing another important update. A bug affecting the status of voice messages — particularly the ability to mark them as “heard” — has already been addressed in the latest beta release on TestFlight. This fix is expected to arrive soon in the next stable version of WhatsApp on the App Store.
Users are encouraged to update their app from the App Store to ensure they have access to the latest improvements and bug fixes. Staying up to date not only guarantees better performance but also unlocks upcoming features and functionality improvements across platforms including iOS, Android, Web/Desktop, and Windows.
What Undercode Say:
The release of WhatsApp for iOS 25.16.74 is more than just a routine patch — it’s a reflection of how closely Meta monitors user feedback and responds to platform-specific issues. With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp’s dependency on frictionless communication is massive. So when something as critical as web link functionality breaks, it undermines the app’s reliability.
This glitch in version 25.15.75 appeared at a time when WhatsApp was trying to improve voice transcription experiences. While the transcription feature was a smart and welcome improvement — allowing users to assign preferred languages per chat — it came at the cost of basic functionality. This shows the complexity of software updates: even seemingly unrelated changes can create unexpected side effects.
The widespread reaction across social media indicated just how disruptive the bug was. From influencers to business owners, many rely on quick link access for day-to-day operations. WhatsApp’s delayed link opening problem hindered everything from marketing coordination to simple news sharing among friends.
The introduction of temporary workarounds highlights a broader issue — usability. When users have to guess how to fix a problem or discover obscure solutions, it lowers confidence in the app. Not everyone is going to long-press a link or browse the chat info menu just to access something that should be one tap away. Fixing this bug was essential to maintain WhatsApp’s user-friendly reputation.
Another insight is the beta program’s value. Bugs like the voice message status glitch are often caught early in platforms like TestFlight. WhatsApp’s ability to fix it ahead of the stable release shows the importance of testing channels and active user communities.
Looking ahead, WhatsApp needs to ensure that feature releases are balanced with solid regression testing. As it becomes a more feature-rich platform — from business messaging to AI integration — the need for stability and smooth user experience becomes even more critical.
In summary, WhatsApp 25.16.74 isn’t just about fixing a bug. It’s about restoring trust, enhancing usability, and showing that user complaints are heard and resolved swiftly. WhatsApp’s commitment to releasing timely fixes will be a key factor in maintaining its dominance in the messaging space.
Fact Checker Results:
✅ The bug affecting web link functionality was confirmed in version 25.15.75
✅ The 25.16.74 update has officially fixed the issue, as noted in the changelog
✅ Voice message status bug fix is verified in the beta and expected soon in the stable version
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Prediction:
As WhatsApp continues rolling out updates, we predict a greater emphasis on per-chat customization features, deeper voice message enhancements, and more proactive bug monitoring. The company may also introduce smarter diagnostics within the app, allowing users to better identify whether issues are due to outdated versions or system conflicts. Expect WhatsApp to increase integration with AI tools for transcription, language detection, and chat organization while reinforcing app stability across all devices.
References:
Reported By: wabetainfo.com
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