New Delhi: WhatsApp is reported to be testing the feature that will enable users to see relevant sticker suggestions as they type emojis in chats on iPhones. The feature was spotted in a recent iOS beta update. The feature aims to cut down the steps needed to send stickers by surfacing matching options directly in the chat bar. Instead of opening the sticker keyboard and browsing through multiple packs, users may be able to see a suitable sticker based on an emoji, instantly.
The feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.1.10.71. As users type an emoji in the chat box, WhatsApp may suggest a matching sticker based on the emoji’s meaning or emotion. The suggestions appear in real-time while the message is being composed and can be sent instantly with a single tap. A similar feature already exists on Android, and WhatsApp now appears to be adapting it for iOS, with the adjustments suited to Apple’s interface and interaction style.
The report also suggested that the system depends on predefined emoji associations linked to stickers at the time they are created. Only stickers that have specific emojis assigned to them are eligible to appear as suggestions. This helps WhatsApp keep results relevant and avoids suggesting users unrelated stickers, even if they have downloaded many packs. Several third-party sticker creation applications on iOS already enable the creators to assign multiple emojis to a single sticker, increasing the chances of those stickers showing up at the right moment.
The feature can also bring back older, rarely used stickers that usually remain hidden in the sticker keyboard. By simply typing an emoji, users can quickly find stickers that match a reaction, mood or gesture without breaking the flow of the conversation. This could be especially useful in fast-moving chats where quick responses matter. Stickers created using WhatsApp’s built-in sticker editor on iOS do not currently support emoji associations, which means they will not appear in these suggestions. Stickers downloaded from the official WhatsApp Sticker Store already include the required metadata and work as expected.
