WhatsApp is constantly testing new features, and the latest one is useful for those who want to limit distractions from regular messages.

According to WABetaInfo, this update is a welcome change for those who have tried and failed to prevent group chat notifications from constantly turning off the app.

These changes are from the WhatsApp TestFlight beta for iOS (version 2.20.130.16). This feature is also included in the beta version for Google's operating system.

"Read Later" takes the existing archived chat section, which is always at the top of the chat list, and combines it with another beta feature called "vacation mode." The result is a more convenient and cohesive experience.

When you put your chats in this folder, you will no longer receive notifications when there are new messages to read. This differs from the previous method where new messages would pop the chat out of the archive folder and into the main list.

Selecting the Edit button in the "Read Later" menu allows you to select multiple chats to delete, return to the normal chat list, or change the behavior of the "Read Later" section. For example, you can choose to automatically exit "Read Later" when you have a new message, or stay in "Read Later" until you move on your own.

A subtle change, to be sure, but a smart one. Users of many group chats will often find it difficult to keep up with all the updates, especially now that so many conversations are taking place online. Soon, however, you can lock certain chats to "read later" and not be bothered by notifications until you decide not to.