WhatsApp is developing a new feature for iOS that integrates contacts’ birthdays directly into the profile information screen, pulling data straight from the phone’s address book. Spotted by WABetaInfo in the iOS beta version 26.38.10.70, the update ensures users can check a contact’s birth date without leaving the application or opening a separate calendar. The system will also display a cake emoji and a “Bugün doğum günü” tag inside an upcoming Contacts tab to prevent missed milestones.
Birthday Information Displayed on Profile Screens
When a contact’s birth date is saved in the local address book, WhatsApp displays that specific date near the top of the profile info screen. The information sits directly beneath the contact’s name and last seen status, eliminating the need to scroll down through menus. WhatsApp does not generate or store this data independently; instead, it pulls the records straight from the device’s native contacts list. Any edits made in the phone’s address book automatically update in WhatsApp the next time the app opens.
Reminders and the New Contacts Tab
The system extends beyond individual profile views. An earlier build identified as iOS beta version 26.38.10.18 revealed a redesigned Contacts tab designed to surface daily alerts. When a birthday arrives, a cake emoji alongside a “Bugün doğum günü” label appears right next to the individual’s name. This notification stays visible throughout the entire day. By combining the persistent profile view with the daily tab alert, users gain both advance notice for planning messages and immediate reminders on the actual day.
Reducing Reliance on External Calendars
This UI adjustment aims to streamline how users coordinate greetings, calls, and messages. Placing the date inside the messaging app removes the friction of switching between the chat interface and external calendar or contact applications. While minor in scope, the integration makes the profile screen more functional for day-to-day communication planning. The feature remains in the iOS coding phase and has not yet rolled out to beta testers, with no official release timeline for the general public.
Did you know? WhatsApp pulls these dates directly from your phone’s operating system, meaning you do not need to manually re-enter birthdays inside the messaging application itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WhatsApp create its own birthday database?
No. WhatsApp extracts birthday entries directly from your device’s native address book and reflects updates automatically when you reopen the app.
Where will the birthday appear on the screen?
The date appears near the top of the profile information screen, right after the person’s name and last seen status.
Is the birthday feature available to all users now?
No. The feature is currently under development for iOS and has not yet been released to beta testers or the general public.
Keep reading