# WhatsApp working on customizable emoji reactions for iOS Users will soon be able to personalize default emoji reactions. - **Source:** [9to5Mac](https://brifing.si/source/59447403-ce5b-427c-8132-8614f549929a) - **Published:** 2026-08-14 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/46836510-0719-44bb-86d7-7817d2f0e14f ## New feature details References in WhatsApp's latest iOS beta suggest users will be able to customize default emoji reactions. WABetaInfo discovered a new 'Default reactions' setting that will allow modifying the emojis in the reaction tray. Currently, the tray shows 👍, ❤️, 😂, 😮, 😢, and 🙏 emojis. This feature will likely debut for WhatsApp Plus subscribers first. ## Current reaction system When users long-press a message, they see six default emoji reactions. Alongside these, a horizontally scrollable tray displays frequently or recently used emojis. Users can tap the + button to select different emojis. However, the default six reactions cannot currently be changed. ## Customization freedom The new feature will let users replace any or all of the six default reactions. They'll be able to choose from the full emoji keyboard and change as many emojis as they want. Users can revert to the default reaction tray anytime. Screenshots show the default set on the left and a customized version on the right. ## Beta stage The feature isn't yet available to beta testers. However, similar references previously found in WhatsApp's Android beta suggest it will roll out to testers soon. It will undergo beta testing before wider release. ## Cross-platform consistency This feature, part of WhatsApp's efforts to maintain consistent user experience across platforms, was first spotted on Android. It indicates parallel development between platforms. Similar features typically launch on both platforms within a short timeframe. ## Personalization trend Social media apps have been increasing user customization options in recent years. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have made similar updates to their reaction systems. WhatsApp's move aligns with the industry-wide trend toward personalized user experiences. ## Premium subscription advantage The feature's initial exclusivity to WhatsApp Plus subscribers reflects Meta's strategy of offering premium features through subscription models. This approach aims to diversify revenue streams and create tiered experiences between free and premium users. ## Impact on user engagement This update could boost interaction rates by making messaging experiences more personal. Custom reactions may enable more meaningful expressions in chats. Such customization options can also effectively increase user retention and platform stickiness. ## Sources covering this story - https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/14/whatsapp-working-on-customizable-emoji-reaction-sets-on-ios/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._