WhatsApp has announced a new set of security features aimed at making user accounts harder to take over and helping people identify potentially suspicious calls. The Meta-owned messaging platform is strengthening two-step verification, expanding passkey support and adding more information about calls from unknown numbers. 

The changes come as messaging accounts continue to face risks from phishing, social engineering and attempts to obtain verification credentials. WhatsApp said the new measures are designed to add further protection while keeping account recovery and everyday use relatively simple.

Stronger Two-Step Verification

One of the key changes is an upgrade to WhatsApp's two-step verification system. The existing six-digit PIN is being replaced with a stronger password that can include letters, numbers and special characters.

The additional layer is intended to make it more difficult for someone to gain control of an account even if they manage to obtain a user's one-time verification code. Users will be able to create a more complex credential instead of relying only on the traditional six-digit PIN. 

Multiple Passkeys Supported

WhatsApp is also expanding its passkey feature by allowing multiple passkeys to be associated with the same account.

Passkeys allow users to authenticate through security mechanisms already available on their devices, such as biometrics or a device screen lock. The expanded support can be particularly useful for people who use more than one device or switch between Android and iOS hardware. 

WhatsApp said more than one billion users have now protected their accounts with passkeys, highlighting the growing use of passwordless authentication on the platform. 

More Information on Unknown Calls

The company is also adding more context to calls received from numbers that are not saved in a user's contacts. On Android, users can receive additional information that may help them decide whether to answer an unfamiliar call.

The information can include details such as whether the caller is from another country and whether the caller shares groups with the recipient. The feature is intended to give users more context before they interact with unknown callers, particularly as scam and impersonation calls remain a concern. 

Focus on Account Takeovers

The latest measures are focused primarily on protecting the WhatsApp account itself. While WhatsApp messages and calls use end-to-end encryption, account takeover attempts can target users through methods outside the encryption system, including stolen verification codes and social engineering.

WhatsApp continues to maintain end-to-end encryption for personal communications, meaning messages and calls are designed to remain accessible only to the communicating users. 

The new tools therefore add another layer to the platform's broader security approach rather than replacing existing encryption protections.

Rollout Begins

WhatsApp has started rolling out the new security measures, although availability can vary depending on the platform, account and rollout stage. Users should keep the application updated to access features when they become available.

The company is encouraging users to make use of available security settings, particularly stronger two-step verification and passkeys, as part of protecting their accounts from unauthorised access.

For users who frequently receive calls from unknown numbers, the additional caller information on Android could also provide a useful warning before answering potentially unwanted or suspicious calls.

Apple has officially announced its next major product event for September 9, 2026, setting the stage for the company’s annual iPhone launch. The event will begin at 10 a.m. Pacific Time and will be streamed online through Apple’s platforms. Apple has promoted the event with the tagline “Surprise and shine.” 

The September event is expected to focus on Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup, although the company has not yet disclosed the products it plans to unveil. Reports and analyst expectations suggest that the event could include the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, while a long-rumoured foldable iPhone could also make its debut. Those product details remain expectations until Apple confirms them on stage. 

September 9 Event Confirmed

Apple’s official announcement confirms that the special event will take place on September 9 at 10 a.m. PT. The keynote will be held at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, with a livestream available through Apple’s website, Apple TV and YouTube. 

For viewers in India, the event will take place late on September 9, making it a closely watched launch for the country’s large Apple user base.

iPhone 18 Pro Expected

Apple has not named the new iPhones in its official event announcement. However, industry reports widely expect the company to introduce its next Pro-generation smartphones during the September event.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are among the models expected to be presented. Details about specifications, pricing and availability have not been officially confirmed by Apple and should therefore be treated as reports or expectations rather than announced features. 

Foldable iPhone in Focus

One of the biggest expectations surrounding the event is Apple’s long-rumoured entry into the foldable smartphone market.

Reuters reported that Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, potentially giving the company a new premium category in its smartphone business. Analysts have described the device as a significant strategic move as Apple looks to expand its high-end product portfolio.

However, Apple has not confirmed the existence, name, design or specifications of a foldable iPhone. Any specific details circulating ahead of the event should therefore be treated as unconfirmed.

Leadership Change Adds Significance

The September event is also expected to mark a significant leadership transition at Apple.

John Ternus, who has served as Apple’s hardware chief, is scheduled to become the company’s CEO on September 1, replacing Tim Cook in the role. This would make the September launch the first major Apple product event under Ternus’ leadership. 

The leadership transition gives the event added significance beyond the products themselves, as investors and Apple users will be watching for indications of the company’s direction under its new chief executive.

Apple Event Livestream

Apple has confirmed that the September 9 event can be watched online. The company’s official announcement directs viewers to Apple’s website, Apple TV and YouTube Live. 

The event will provide the first official confirmation of the company’s new iPhone lineup, pricing, specifications and release plans. Until then, reports about particular models and features remain subject to change.