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Messaging platform WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new timing option for disappearing messages. According to a WaBetaInfo report, new messages will disappear from WhatsApp chat 15 minutes after they're sent. WhatsApp currently offers a disappearing messages feature, allowing users to choose to make their message disappear when the timer expires. Currently, users can select a timer from three different options – 24 hours, 7 days and 90 days. “With a future update, WhatsApp will address this issue by introducing a new message timer option. This option is called "After reading", and it will make it easier for users to ensure their messages disappear immediately after being seen,” the report says.

WhatsApp may bring ‘After Reading’ feature

Allegedly coming with a future update, when ‘After Reading’ feature is enabled, a user can select option to make messages disappear from their chat 15 minutes after they're sent. They will disappear from the recipient's chat 15 minutes after they're read. “If the messages are never read, they will automatically disappear after 24 hours. Users will be able to choose this timer option on a per-chat basis or for all chats,” WaBetaInfo report says.

“For example, if Mark sends a message to Chris using the "After reading" timer, the message will vanish from Mark's chat 15 minutes after being sent. Once Chris reads it, the message will disappear from his conversation after 15 minutes. If Chris never reads the message, it will disappear from his conversation after 24 hours.”

The report says that the upcoming feature is aimed to ensure that messages remain private even if they are not immediately viewed. Additionally, it will give the sender more control over how long their messages are accessible in both chats.

The feature was first spotted in latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.12.2 update, which is available on the Google Play Store. It is currently under development, and is planned for release in a future update.