On this page
- Current status of AB WhatsApp in 2026
- What AB WhatsApp was and why it became popular
- Why you should not install "new" AB WhatsApp or WhatsApp Gold APKs
- Does the last AB WhatsApp version still work?
- Best active alternatives to AB WhatsApp
- How to move your chats from AB WhatsApp to another mod
- AB WhatsApp last known version
- AB WhatsApp FAQ
- Related guides
- Conclusion
AB WhatsApp, searched in Arabic as واتساب ابو عرب, was one of the well-known Arabic WhatsApp mods, alongside WhatsApp Omar. Its builds were often shared under the name "WhatsApp Gold" (واتساب الذهبي) and in several colour variants, and many users liked its Arabic-first interface and its separate builds for a second number.
In 2026, though, the project has gone quiet. Here is what our team verified, why you should be extra careful with anything called "WhatsApp Gold", and the actively maintained alternatives that cover what AB WhatsApp users needed.
The last version of Abu Arab's WhatsApp seen on the channel that distributed it is v13.30, from January 2026, and there have been no updates since (source: t.me/s/abu3raab). We treat it as discontinued and do not offer downloads. Back up your chats and move to an active mod such as OBWhatsApp, WhatsApp Plus or GBWhatsApp.
App information| Name | AB WhatsApp (Abu Arab) |
|---|---|
| Status | Discontinued |
| Last known version | 13.30 |
| Requires Android | 5.0+ |
| Developer | Abu Arab |
| Updated | |
| Category | Communication (mod) |
| Package | com.abwhatsapp |
AB WhatsApp (Abu Arab) no longer receives official updates. Sites advertising “new” versions usually distribute old copies or modified clones. These alternatives are still active:
Current status of AB WhatsApp in 2026
In September 2026 our team checked the Telegram channel that distributed Abu Arab's builds, t.me/s/abu3raab. The most recent version posted there is v13.30, published in January 2026. Nothing newer has appeared since, and there has been no announcement of a new release.
- Developer: Abu Arab (أبو عرب).
- Also distributed as: "WhatsApp Gold" (واتساب الذهبي) and colour variants.
- Last version seen: v13.30, January 2026.
- Updates since then: none.
- Status on WasaPlus: discontinued (inactive), no download offered.
A mod that stops receiving updates does not fail on day one, but it falls further behind WhatsApp with every month that passes. Sooner or later WhatsApp raises its minimum version, and a build that nobody maintains has no way to follow.
What AB WhatsApp was and why it became popular
AB WhatsApp was an unofficial modified WhatsApp for Android published by the Arabic developer known as Abu Arab. It worked with your normal phone number and added its own settings menu with privacy, appearance and media options. Its main audience was Arabic speakers, so the translation and right-to-left layout received special care.
Careful Arabic translation with proper right-to-left layout.
Separate package names so a second number could run on the same phone.
Builds in different colours, including the widely shared "Gold" look.
Hiding online status, blue ticks, typing and recording.
Keeping messages and statuses deleted by the sender.
Protecting the app with a PIN, pattern or fingerprint.
The AB1/AB2 system worked much like the OB1/OB2 builds of OBWhatsApp: the same mod with different package names, so Android treated them as separate apps. That is why so many AB users today are best served by OBWhatsApp, which still follows this approach and is still maintained.
Why you should not install "new" AB WhatsApp or WhatsApp Gold APKs
Inactive mods attract re-uploads and clones, and AB WhatsApp has an extra problem: its builds were often shared as "WhatsApp Gold". That name is also attached to a well-known scam and hoax that has circulated for years, promising an exclusive premium version of WhatsApp. As a result, fake "Gold" files are everywhere.
- WhatsApp Gold scams: many files and messages using this name have nothing to do with Abu Arab and exist only to spread malware or collect data.
- Relabelled old builds: "AB WhatsApp 2026" files are usually v13.30 or older with a new name.
- Clones: unknown uploaders reuse the AB name and icon on modified code.
- Expiry: an unmaintained base can be blocked at any moment with an expiry or "update WhatsApp" message.
- Bans: outdated clients increase the risk of temporary or permanent bans.
How to spot a fake AB WhatsApp or Gold file
- It claims a version newer than v13.30 or uses "2026" in the name.
- It is presented as a "premium" or "exclusive" WhatsApp Gold edition.
- It arrives through a forwarded chain message urging you to upgrade.
- The page asks for surveys, offers or extra app installs before downloading.
- The APK requests accessibility or device admin permissions.
- A malware scanner reports any detection.
If you receive a message inviting you to "upgrade to WhatsApp Gold", do not click it. Our safety guide explains how to check APKs and what to do if your account is affected.
Does the last AB WhatsApp version still work?
The last build, v13.30, may still open on some phones today. But without updates it is only a matter of time before problems appear, and you cannot expect a fix when they do.
- WhatsApp can show an expiry screen and stop the app from connecting.
- Registering your number again, moving to a new phone or linking devices may fail.
- The ban risk grows as the base gets older.
- Bugs and security issues will not be patched.
We do not recommend staying on AB WhatsApp. Make a backup while it still opens and plan your move, especially if you use both AB1 and AB2 with two different numbers.
Best active alternatives to AB WhatsApp
The mods still maintained by their developers in 2026 are OBWhatsApp by Omar Al-Annabi and WhatsApp Plus and GBWhatsApp by AlexMods. For most AB users, OBWhatsApp is the natural first choice thanks to its Arabic interface and numbered builds, but the other two are good options as well. All are unofficial and carry a ban risk.
| What you get | OBWhatsApp | WhatsApp Plus | GBWhatsApp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Active | Active | Active |
| Developer | Omar Al-Annabi | AlexMods | AlexMods |
| Latest version | 71 | 18.80 | 18.80 |
| Arabic interface | ✔ Excellent | ✔ | ✔ |
| Several accounts on one phone | ✔ (OB2, OB3) | Varies | ✔ |
| Colour variants and themes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hide online / blue ticks | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-delete | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ban risk | Yes | Yes | Yes |
OBWhatsApp: the closest replacement
OBWhatsApp (WhatsApp Omar) is still updated in 2026; the latest release on Omar Al-Annabi's channel is version 71. Its OBWhatsApp, OB2 and OB3 builds replace AB1 and AB2 neatly, and colour variants such as blue and pink are part of its identity.
WhatsApp Plus
WhatsApp Plus (18.80) by AlexMods has a clean Plus menu, full Arabic support and all core privacy features. Be careful with sites that advertise version numbers the developer never published.
GBWhatsApp
GBWhatsApp (18.80) offers the most settings and dual-account options. AlexMods warns that recent builds cannot be used with numbers that are already banned.
APK file for Android · Free · No sign-up
APK file for Android · Free · No sign-up
To see all active and discontinued mods side by side, visit our WhatsApp mods comparison.
How to move your chats from AB WhatsApp to another mod
If you used AB1 and AB2, repeat these steps for each build and each number. Always make the backup before uninstalling anything.
- 1Back up each AB build
In AB WhatsApp open Settings → Chats → Chat backup and tap Back up. Do the same in AB2 if you use it.
- 2Find the backup folders
With a file manager, locate the folder of each build, often under Android/media. Each has a Databases subfolder with your message backups.
- 3Copy them off the phone
Save every folder to a computer, SD card or cloud storage, clearly labelled with the number it belongs to.
- 4Rename for the new app
Copy or rename each folder to the name the new mod expects, keeping Databases and Media inside. Our backup guide explains the usual names.
- 5Uninstall AB WhatsApp
Remove AB1 and AB2 only after the copies are confirmed.
- 6Install the new mod
Install OBWhatsApp, WhatsApp Plus or GBWhatsApp, allowing unknown sources temporarily.
- 7Verify and restore
Verify each number in its own app or build and tap Restore when the backup is found.
AB WhatsApp last known version
The table shows the last version seen on the distribution channel. It is listed for reference only, without download links, because the build is no longer maintained.
| Version | Date | Size | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB WhatsApp (Abu Arab) 13.30 | January 5, 2026 | — | Discontinued |
AB WhatsApp (Abu Arab) no longer receives official updates. Sites advertising “new” versions usually distribute old copies or modified clones. These alternatives are still active:
AB WhatsApp FAQ
Is AB WhatsApp discontinued?
Is there an AB WhatsApp 2026?
What is WhatsApp Gold?
Can I still use AB WhatsApp?
What replaced AB WhatsApp?
Will I lose my chats if I switch?
Is AB WhatsApp safe now?
Related guides
WhatsApp PlusActive v18.80The complete guide to WhatsApp Plus APK: latest version download, features, installation, updates, safety, backups and fixes for common problems.View and download →GBWhatsAppActive v18.80Everything about GB WhatsApp Pro: latest APK download, features, colour versions, installation, updates, safety, backups and troubleshooting.View and download →
OBWhatsApp (Omar)Active v71OBWhatsApp by Omar Al-Annabi: numbered builds for multiple accounts, colour versions, features, install steps and safety advice.View and download →Is It Safe?An honest look at the risks of WhatsApp Plus, GBWhatsApp and discontinued mods like FMWhatsApp, how to check an APK and what to do after a ban.Read guide →
Backup & RestoreLocal backups, restoring chats, transferring between mods and official WhatsApp, and updating without losing your history.Read guide →Compare ModsWhatsApp Plus vs GBWhatsApp vs OBWhatsApp side by side, a recommendation for each type of user, and the status of discontinued mods.Read guide →Conclusion
AB WhatsApp served Arabic users well for a long time, but it has not been updated since January 2026 and there is no safe way to get a newer version. Stay away from WhatsApp Gold files, back up your chats and move to an active mod: OBWhatsApp is the closest fit, with WhatsApp Plus and GBWhatsApp as solid alternatives. If your number is essential, the official app remains the safest option.
APK file for Android · Free · No sign-up
Updated: · By WasaPlus editorial team