WhatsApp Critical Privacy Bug Fixed in Latest iOS Update

WhatsApp has released version 25.2.3 for iOS devices to patch a significant privacy vulnerability that affected its "View Once" feature. The bug allowed users to access photos and videos that were meant to disappear after a single viewing.

Whatsapp Feature
The security flaw, which only impacted iPhone users, allowed anyone to view supposedly ephemeral content by navigating to Settings ➝ Storage and Data ➝ Manage Storage and sorting media by "Newest." This completely bypassed the privacy protection that View Once was designed to provide.

Security researcher Ramshath first documented the vulnerability in a Medium post, prompting WhatsApp to acknowledge the issue and develop a fix. This isn't the first time View Once has faced security challenges – a similar bug was discovered and patched on WhatsApp Web last December.

The latest update also introduces several new features, including the ability to make calls without saving phone numbers first and enhanced group calling capabilities.

Given the privacy implications, WhatsApp users on iOS should update their app immediately through the App Store to ensure their View Once media remains ephemeral as intended. [Direct Link]

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
maxresdefault

M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro Launch Imminent as Reseller Stock Dwindles

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:12 pm PST by
New M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are slated to launch in the near future, according to information shared with MacRumors by an Apple Premium Reseller. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The third-party Apple retailer said that MacBook Pro stock is very low currently because there is an imminent new product introduction. Apple typically coordinates supply with...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...

Top Rated Comments

UliBaer Avatar
13 months ago
Simply use Signal instead - and spread the word about it! ;)
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vantelimus Avatar
13 months ago

What is the practical use case for "view once"?
It is for sending any kind of information that should not be saved or stored, like a password or a confidential note. It can be easily defeated by using another device to take a photo of the screen, so it isn't really a great security feature. It seems more useful for sending temporary information, like a one-time code that no one would want to save.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cjsuk Avatar
13 months ago
Have they made it not owned by Meta then?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
13 months ago

What is the practical use case for "view once"?
I use it a lot to show someone a random meme, screenshot or what I have for dinner. Potentially nudes? (not me, generally speaking). Basically everything I don't need to keep / saved to my camera roll. I wish iMessage had it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xander49x Avatar
13 months ago
I stopped using anything made by meta in 2018 #boycottmeta
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aj8690 Avatar
13 months ago
The title of this article makes it seem like it was an iOS issue.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)