WhatsApp update fixes annoying notification feature

Latest version of iOS app will bring long-awaited improvement

WhatsApp's 1.5 billion users around the world are in for a major upgrade (Getty Images)

An update to WhatsApp has finally fixed one of the most annoying features of the popular messaging app.

The latest version of the iOS app for iPhones and iPads will finally allow users to properly mute conversations that they do not want to receive notifications from.

Up until now, notifications continued to appear on the app's icon, even from groups and chats that they had muted.

WhatsApp announced the changes in the release notes for Version 2.19.110 of the Facebook-owned app.

"Muted chats will no longer display notification badges on the app icon when you receive new messages," the notes stated.

The Android version of the app already includes an option to "Show notifications" that prevents the icon from notifying users when messages appear in muted chats.

Earlier this month, website WaBetaInfo revealed that WhatsApp is testing other new features, including disappearing messages that self-destruct after they are sent.

The new feature would bring WhatsApp in line with other messaging apps like Snapchate, Telegram and Facebook Messenger. The idea is to prevent users from copying or forwarding messages to other users.

It is currently only available in the beta version of WhatsApp, though features tested in this way often find heir way onto the consumer version of the app.

WhatsApp could also be in line for a major upgrade next year with the expected introduction of support for Facebook's Libra cryptocurrency.

The technology giant still needs to overcome various regulatory hurdles before it launches Libra, however once implemented it could allow people to send funds to contacts across Facebook-owned apps like Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp.