WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new upgrade to its payment system that could significantly boost its appeal among digital payment users. According to a report by Android Authority, the messaging platform is currently testing UPI Lite, a feature designed to facilitate quicker and more convenient low-value transactions.
This new feature could help WhatsApp compete more effectively with established payment giants like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm, particularly in a market like India, where digital transactions are widespread.
A recent beta version teardown (v2.25.5.17) of WhatsApp uncovered code references to UPI Lite, confirming that development is underway. However, as it’s still in the testing phase, an official release date has not yet been announced. The beta also reveals that UPI Lite payments will be restricted to the user’s primary device and won’t function on linked devices.
For context, UPI Lite is a lightweight extension of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). It allows users to preload a small amount of money into a digital wallet, enabling pin-free, instant transactions without requiring direct bank authentication each time. This makes it ideal for quick, everyday purchases like snacks, auto rides, or bus fares.
The main goal of UPI Lite is to streamline micro-payments, minimizing delays and reducing transaction failures, especially during network congestion. WhatsApp’s integration is expected to support seamless, pin-free payments, similar to how the feature works on platforms like Google Pay and PhonePe.
While WhatsApp currently supports UPI payments in India, the introduction of UPI Lite would enhance its utility and user experience. Given the app’s massive user base of over 500 million in India, the feature could benefit millions, though WhatsApp is not yet listed among the officially supported UPI Lite apps.
In addition to UPI Lite, WhatsApp is also reportedly developing a bill payment feature, which could allow users to pay electricity bills, recharge mobile plans, and more—all within the app.
At present, no official timeline has been confirmed for the public rollout of these features.
