According to 9to5Mac, WhatsApp will finally introduce username support starting next year, moving away from exclusive reliance on phone numbers for messaging. The company has shared official rollout details with business partners, revealing that businesses have until June 2026 to implement the necessary technical changes for the new Business-Scoped User ID system. This BSUID will serve as a unique identifier that allows businesses to message users even without knowing their phone numbers. The username reservation system will likely go live in the first half of next year, giving users ample time to claim their preferred handles. This represents WhatsApp’s biggest shift in how users identify and connect with each other since the platform’s inception.
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The business angle is everything here
Here’s the thing – this isn’t just about letting users pick cool handles. Meta’s playing the long game with business messaging. The BSUID system means companies can maintain customer relationships even when phone numbers change or users want more privacy. Basically, it’s creating a stable identifier that works across different contact methods. And that’s huge for businesses that rely on WhatsApp for customer service and marketing.
Think about it – how many times have you hesitated to message a business because you didn’t want to share your personal number? This solves that. The system will include BSUIDs in all message webhooks, so businesses can update their systems once and be ready for whatever contact method users prefer. It’s a smart move that positions WhatsApp as more business-friendly while addressing growing privacy concerns.
Why the long rollout?
Now, you might be wondering why we’re looking at a 2026 deadline for something that seems pretty straightforward. Well, this is a fundamental shift in how WhatsApp’s backend operates. The platform was built around phone numbers from day one. Changing that core architecture while maintaining security and not breaking existing functionality? That’s no small task.
Plus, giving businesses until June 2026 to adapt means Meta isn’t rushing anyone. They’re allowing plenty of time for developers to update message routing, customer records, and automated response systems. It’s actually pretty considerate when you think about it – no last-minute panic for businesses that depend on WhatsApp API.
The privacy pivot we’ve been waiting for
This move addresses one of WhatsApp’s biggest criticisms – the mandatory phone number requirement. In an era where people are increasingly protective of personal information, being forced to share your actual phone number to message someone has felt increasingly outdated. The BSUID system creates that middle ground where businesses can still recognize you as a customer without needing your private contact details.
And according to WABetaInfo’s reporting, this is structured to eventually allow businesses to interact entirely through usernames. That’s the endgame here – complete separation between personal contact info and business messaging. It’s about time, honestly.
What comes after usernames?
So where does this leave WhatsApp? Well, it’s clearly maturing beyond just a simple messaging app. Between this username system, business tools, and the platform’s massive user base, Meta’s building something that could seriously challenge traditional customer service channels. The fact that they’re sharing these details with business partners now shows how seriously they’re taking this transition.
I’m curious to see how the username reservation will work. Will it be first-come, first-served like early Twitter? Will there be verification for businesses? And how will this integrate with Instagram and Facebook usernames? There’s a lot still to reveal, but one thing’s clear – WhatsApp messaging is about to get a whole lot more flexible.
