WhatsApp Is Taking On Partiful With Expanded Events Feature

WhatsApp is rolling out an expanded Events feature over the coming weeks, adding a dedicated hub in settings for managing past and upcoming plans, RSVPs, and customizable event pages with header photos and reminders. The key change lets hosts invite guests who don't have WhatsApp accounts, who can view details and RSVP without signing up, though they only see the event address after responding and hosts' phone numbers stay hidden from unknown guests. The update broadens WhatsApp's event-planning tools beyond its own user base and positions it against services like Partiful. It follows other recent moves to connect users with people off the platform, including last month's option for non-users to join video calls and this year's introduction of usernames that let people use the service without sharing phone numbers. Watch for adoption among hosts organizing mixed groups of WhatsApp and non-WhatsApp guests, and whether the feature draws users away from dedicated invite platforms.