News
New WhatsApp Feature Allows Users to Secure Chats with Chat Lock

In a recent announcement, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, unveiled an exciting new feature for the popular messaging app. The feature, known as chat lock, aims to enhance user privacy and security by allowing individuals to protect specific conversations with an additional layer of authentication.
Chat Lock for WhatsApp for iOS and Android
Initially introduced to a select group of beta testers, the chat lock feature has received positive feedback and is now set to be released to a wider audience. The feature is included in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.14 update and the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.9.0.71 update, indicating that its official release is imminent.
Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement, made through the official Meta Channel, confirms the feature’s official status and indicates that it will soon be available to all users with the stable release of the app. Once the feature is accessible, users can lock individual conversations by accessing the chat info and selecting the “Chat Lock” option, provided it is available for their account.

Locked chats will be segregated into a dedicated “Locked Chats” section, ensuring that only authorized users can access them using a passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID authentication. Importantly, locked chats offer an added layer of privacy by disabling author and message preview in notifications. Additionally, media shared within locked chats will not be automatically saved to the device’s gallery, further safeguarding sensitive information.
The chat lock feature serves as an essential tool for users seeking to secure confidential conversations and protect personal data, even in scenarios where unauthorized individuals gain physical access to their phones. By granting users greater control over their conversation security, WhatsApp aims to enhance overall privacy standards for its vast user base.
Although Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement showcased a screenshot from WhatsApp for Android, it is important to note that the chat lock feature is also available on WhatsApp for iOS. For comprehensive information on the feature, interested users can refer to the official Meta blog post.
To experience the chat lock feature, users must update their WhatsApp app to the latest version, which can be obtained from the Google Play Store for Android users and the App Store or the TestFlight app for iOS users. The feature will gradually roll out to users worldwide over the coming days, ensuring wider accessibility and improved privacy measures for WhatsApp users.
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OxygenOS
OnePlus 13 Series Bypass Charging Update Brings Powerful Battery Boost With OxygenOS 16.0.3

OnePlus 13 Series bypass charging update has officially arrived with the rollout of OxygenOS 16.0.3, bringing a mix of long-awaited features and under-the-hood improvements. The January update is now available for both OnePlus 13 and 13S users and includes the first-generation 2026 Android security patch, ensuring better protection and stability across devices.
The OnePlus 13 Series bypass charging update introduces a major improvement in how users can manage battery health during heavy usage.
OnePlus 13 Series Bypass Charging Update: What’s New in OxygenOS 16.0.3
The OxygenOS 16.0.3.501 update weighs close to 946MB and is currently rolling out in phases. Users can check availability by heading to Settings > Software Update > Beta Program and installing the OTA package once it appears.

One of the most notable additions is full bypass charging support. Earlier, this feature was limited mainly to gaming scenarios through the gaming dashboard. With the latest update, bypass charging is now accessible system-wide. Users can find it under Settings > Battery > Charging Settings, where a charging threshold between 20% and 80% can be set. Once enabled, power is supplied directly to the system after reaching the threshold, helping reduce heat generation and improving long-term battery health during heavy usage such as video editing, streaming, or benchmarking.

OnePlus 13 Series Bypass Charging Update and Camera Improvements
The update also enhances the Photos app by allowing editing of images up to 50 megapixels without reducing quality. High-resolution photos, including 8K Ultra HD images, now retain their original clarity even after basic edits. This change is especially useful for users who rely on the OnePlus camera for detailed photography.
With the OnePlus 13 Series bypass charging update, power is supplied directly to the system, reducing heat and long-term battery degradation.
In addition, users will notice smoother animations, improved blur effects, and refined transitions—particularly with larger app icons and tiles. The App Store UI has also received a visual refresh with bigger tile layouts.
This OnePlus 13 Series bypass charging update is especially useful for gaming, video editing, and media consumption.
Minor Tweaks and System Changes
Other changes include better app drawer categorization for office and finance apps, minor adjustments within Private Safe, and an option to disable “Reply with SMS” for devices using the OnePlus stock dialer. While a few previously reported UI bugs persist, the overall experience feels more polished and responsive.
Overall, the OnePlus 13 Series bypass charging update makes OxygenOS 16.0.3 a meaningful upgrade for daily and power users alike.
With OxygenOS 16.0.3, OnePlus continues to focus on battery health, performance, and usability—making this update a meaningful upgrade for OnePlus 13 series users.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S26+ Finally Misses Major Display Upgrade After Late Design Changes
Apple
iOS 26.3 Update Brings Major Messaging, Privacy, and AI Improvements to iPhones

iOS 26.3 update is shaping up to be one of the most important software releases for iPhone users in recent years, with Apple preparing meaningful upgrades that could impact hundreds of millions of devices worldwide. Currently available as a developer and public beta, the update highlights Apple’s growing focus on secure messaging, better cross-platform communication, and smarter system features.

iOS 26.3 Update Brings End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging
One of the biggest additions in iOS 26.3 is groundwork for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in RCS messaging. According to reports from MacRumors, Apple is enabling support for RCS Universal Profile 3.0, a key requirement for encrypted messaging between iPhone and Android users.
“The iOS 26.3 update focuses heavily on improving messaging privacy and cross-platform compatibility.”
Until now, iMessage conversations between iPhones have been encrypted, but chats with Android devices lacked the same level of privacy. With iOS 26.3, messages and attachments exchanged via RCS could gain the same protection, preventing third parties from reading them. However, carriers will ultimately decide when this feature is activated, which means rollout timelines may vary.

iMessage-Style Features Coming to RCS
Beyond encryption, iOS 26.3 introduces several long-awaited messaging features for RCS chats. Users will be able to send in-line replies, edit sent messages, unsend messages, and finally use Tapback reactions like thumbs up or hearts without workarounds. These changes aim to make conversations between iPhone and Android feel far more seamless.
“With the iOS 26.3 update, Apple is addressing long-standing differences between iPhone and Android messaging.”
Apple has previously confirmed its commitment to improving RCS, and the latest beta suggests the wait may soon be over. The update is expected to support devices ranging from iPhone 11 to the upcoming iPhone 17.

More Updates Beyond Messaging
The iOS 26.3 public beta, released earlier this week, also refines the process of transferring data from iPhone to Android. Additionally, users will notice an updated wallpaper gallery and new region-specific features, particularly for EU users.
“Overall, the iOS 26.3 update positions Apple’s Messages app as a more secure and modern communication platform.”
There are also references to Gemini, following the collaboration announcement between Apple and Google, hinting at deeper AI integration in future iPhone experiences.
What to Expect Next
While iOS 26.3 looks promising, it remains a beta. Some features may still change or be delayed before the final release. With carrier involvement required for encrypted RCS, the exact timeline remains uncertain, but the direction is clear: Apple is pushing iPhone messaging toward a more secure and unified future.
Also Read: Google Fast Pair Vulnerability: 17 Bluetooth Audio Devices Exposed to Dangerous Risk
Android
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 Update Delivers Massive PerformanceBoost for Pixel Devices

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 is now rolling out, and it marks a significant step forward in Google’s ongoing effort to refine the Android experience on Pixel smartphones. The update arrives shortly after the previous beta, showing Google’s aggressive pace in polishing the upcoming Quarterly Platform Release. It is available in two build versions: CP11.251209.007 for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series, and CP11.251209.007.A1 for all other supported Pixel models.
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 focuses on performance, stability, and usability
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 brings a wide range of under-the-hood improvements aimed at fixing some of the most common issues faced by Pixel users in recent builds. According to Google, this release addresses multiple stability, performance, and usability issues, making daily usage smoother and more reliable.

Users who have been dealing with random app crashes, system freezes, or lag should notice a clear improvement after installing this update. Battery performance has also been optimized, with fixes targeting excessive battery drain and inconsistent charging behavior. These changes are expected to be especially noticeable during extended screen-on time and overnight standby.
Connectivity has received a strong boost as well. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 improves Wi-Fi reliability and speed while also enhancing call stability, reducing dropped calls and network-related interruptions. Alongside these changes, Google has refined parts of the user interface, resulting in smoother animations and more consistent system behavior.

Google has shared a detailed changelog for this beta, and some of the most notable improvements were highlighted directly by the company on Reddit, giving early testers a clear idea of what to expect.
How to try Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 on your Pixel
If you are interested in testing Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2, you can enroll your compatible Pixel device in the Android Beta Program. Before installing, it is strongly recommended to back up all important data, as beta software can still contain unresolved bugs.
Overall, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 feels like a mature and meaningful update, bringing Pixel devices closer to a stable and polished Android 16 release.
Also Read: Gemini Personal Intelligence: 10 Things to Know About Google’s New AI







