WhatsApp update will finally introduce 'Vacation Mode'

Feature could be introduced with next update of the messaging app

(REUTERS)

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that could soon make going on holiday a lot more peaceful.

First spotted by WABetaInfo, a new update will enable something called 'Vacation Mode' that will completely mute group notifications.

Until now, muting group chats only disables push notifications from the messaging app, meaning unread messages sill appear on the WhatsApp icon.

The latest update to WhatsApp will mean messages sent to group chats are automatically archived so they do not appear anywhere on your phone screen.

To enable the new Vacation Mode feature, WhatsApp users will need to mute a group chat and then archive it.

Once this is done, the Vacation Mode can be selected to ensure that any future messages from that group don't cause any disruption.

It is unclear when this new feature might launch, though it could come as soon as the next scheduled update, which are usually rolled out every few weeks or so.

Another anticipated update includes the introduction of ads within its "status" feature, according to one of the Facebook-owned firm's executives.

Sliding ads in between updates from friends within the app's status section will be the "primary monetisation mode for the company," WhatsApp vice president Chris Daniels told The Economic Times.

Recent updates have included the introduction of stickers, which brought it in line with other popular messaging apps like Telegram.