WhatsApp is set to introduce usernames, allowing its three billion users to connect with businesses and new contacts without sharing their phone numbers, enhancing privacy. Although the full feature has not yet launched, users can currently reserve their usernames, according to Guru8.

The article discusses the importance of sharing contact details in a connected world, particularly focusing on the option to reserve a WhatsApp username. It highlights the discomfort some may feel when sharing their phone numbers, as these are linked to personal information. The piece suggests that having a username can provide a more comfortable alternative for connecting with others.

WhatsApp has launched username reservations globally, allowing users to message others without the need to share their phone numbers. Some users in Kenya have already begun to see this feature available, according to Tech-ish.

According to TechCabal, South Africa's largest banks are adopting mobile services to enhance customer engagement and expand their user base. This shift is seen as a strategy to generate new revenue streams amid a stagnating banking market, as banks aim to integrate more deeply into customers' daily digital activities.

WhatsApp has ended support for older Android phones as of 8 September 2026, according to the Eastleigh Voice. The number of affected users is expected to be relatively small compared with WhatsApp's overall user base. However, the impact could be more significant in markets where people continue using older smartphones for longer periods. The report outlines which phone models are affected by the change, as the messaging platform updates its minimum operating system requirements for continued access.

According to TechCentral, the future growth of South Africa's mobile market is expected to shift focus from connecting people to connecting machines. Pambos Soteriades emphasizes that mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) must adapt to this change to remain competitive in the evolving landscape.