The Death of GBWhatsApp: Why You Don’t Need It Anymore

For years, GBWhatsApp was the go-to solution for WhatsApp users in Zimbabwe who craved more features than the official app could offer. From custom themes to hiding messages, GBWhatsApp delivered functionalities that made it feel like the ultimate messaging tool. But times have changed. The official WhatsApp app has caught up and in some cases, surpassed what GBWhatsApp once offered. Here’s why the era of GBWhatsApp is over, and why you should ditch it for good.

What Made GBWhatsApp So Popular?

GBWhatsApp, a modified version of WhatsApp, gained a massive following because it offered features the official app lacked. Users flocked to it for its ability to customize the app’s appearance, schedule messages, hide online status, and even run multiple accounts on a single device. For many, these features were game-changers, offering a level of flexibility and control that WhatsApp simply didn’t provide. 

But using GBWhatsApp came with significant risks. Account bans, security vulnerabilities, and the constant threat of malware were the trade-offs for accessing these extra features. For years, users tolerated these risks because the official app didn’t offer viable alternatives. But that’s no longer the case.

WhatsApp’s Comeback: Catching Up and Surpassing

Over the past few years, WhatsApp has been on a mission to eliminate the need for third-party mods. They’ve rolled out a slew of updates that mirror and sometimes improve upon the features that made GBWhatsApp so appealing.

One of the most significant updates is the ability to run multiple accounts on a single device. While GBWhatsApp allowed users to operate two accounts, WhatsApp has now taken it a step further by allowing 2 accounts on one device and connect one account to four devices. This is a game-changer for users who juggle personal and work numbers or manage multiple profiles.

WhatsApp has also introduced a range of customization options, allowing users to set custom wallpapers for individual chats, choose from a variety of themes, and enable dark mode for a sleek, eye-friendly interface. These updates have brought the app closer to the level of personalization that GBWhatsApp once offered. 

Privacy features have also seen major improvements. WhatsApp’s Disappearing Messages feature lets users set messages to vanish after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days—a direct response to the auto-delete functionality that made GBWhatsApp so popular. Additionally, users can now control who sees their Last Seen and Online status, giving them more privacy without the need for a modded app.

File-sharing limits have also been increased, with WhatsApp now allowing users to send files up to 2GB in size. This is a significant upgrade from GBWhatsApp’s 100MB limit and makes it easier to share high-quality videos, documents, and other large files.

Another feature that was once exclusive to GBWhatsApp is message scheduling. While this isn’t yet available globally, WhatsApp has been testing the feature in beta versions, signaling that it’s on the horizon.

For those concerned about security, WhatsApp has introduced Chat Lock, a feature that allows users to protect specific chats with a password or biometric authentication. This adds an extra layer of security that was previously only available through third-party mods.

The Risks of Sticking with GBWhatsApp

Despite its appeal, GBWhatsApp has always been a risky choice. Modded apps like GBWhatsApp aren’t subject to the same security checks as the official app, making them prime targets for hackers. Using GBWhatsApp could also result in your account being permanently banned, as WhatsApp has cracked down on third-party apps.

There’s also the issue of malware. Downloading APKs from unofficial sources can expose your device to viruses and other malicious software. And if something goes wrong, you’re on your own—there’s no customer support for modded apps.

Why Zimbabweans Should Switch Back

For Zimbabwean users, the risks of using GBWhatsApp far outweigh the benefits. With the official WhatsApp app now offering most of the features that made GBWhatsApp popular, there’s no reason to put your account and device at risk. Plus, sticking to the official app ensures you’re always up to date with the latest security patches and features. 

The ability to run up to four accounts on a single device is particularly useful in a country where many people juggle multiple SIM cards for personal, business, and family use. WhatsApp’s increased file-sharing limit is also a boon for Zimbabweans, who often rely on the app to share large documents and media files.

The Future of WhatsApp

WhatsApp’s recent updates show that the platform is listening to its users and evolving to meet their needs. While GBWhatsApp once filled a gap, that gap is rapidly closing. The official app is safer, more reliable, and just as feature-rich—if not more so.

The death of GBWhatsApp isn’t just inevitable; it’s already happening. With the official WhatsApp app offering nearly everything GBWhatsApp once did and doing it better there’s no need to risk your security and privacy for a few extra features. It’s time to let go of the mods and embrace the future of messaging.