You can reserve the username you want to use before the feature starts rolling out later this year. | Image: Meta / WhatsApp

WhatsApp is introducing a new way to add and chat with contacts, without having to share your phone number. Usernames will be launching "later this year," in a move to make the communications platform "even more private," allowing you to keep your phone number concealed from people who aren't already in your contacts.
Usernames are available to reserve starting this week, giving you time to claim a specific handle you may already be using elsewhere before the WhatsApp username feature officially launches. The username launch will be rolling out gradually over the com...