WhatsApp's long-rumoured multi-device support may finally be getting near launch. WhatsApp has reportedly been working on the feature for quite some time, but it's taking a while because of how much new work needs to be done to allow it.

We've heard rumours about fully-fledged multi-device support since 2020 and there have been beta tests for it as well. Those trials included a "multi-device beta" that would allow devices to work even without a connection to the user's phone. 

According to WABetaInfo, a multi-device update is now coming which would allow users to link a second phone to their WhatsApp account. Perfect for those of us with more than one smartphone who still need to be able to access WhatsApp from anywhere. 

WhatsApp may finally be getting support for more than one phone photo 3
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This linked device functionality will allow users to control all the connected devices in much the same way you can at the moment when using WhatsApp on the web and desktop, except without the need for your main phone to always have an internet connection in the background. 

All this is also interesting because traditionally WhatsApp has always required a phone number in order to be linked to your device. If you move to a new phone you'd be fine if you kept the same number, but otherwise, you'd have to start from scratch. 

Then you have the hassle of letting all of your contacts know what's happened. Similarly, if you're juggling two phones already - a work and personal phone for example - then you also can't run WhatsApp comfortably and easily. 

Along with this update, it's said that there are a number of improvements coming too. These include the ability to create link previews, smoother logins and more. 

There's no word on when the update will officially launch at this point though.