World, the biometric identity verification project co-founded by Sam Altman and developed by Tools for Humanity, has announced a major upgrade to its World App, marking what it describes as a “complete reimagination” of how humans connect, transact, and participate in the global economy. The new version introduces encrypted chat functions, integrated digital asset payments, and new financial tools powered by verified human identity.
A fast-growing global human network
World has grown rapidly since its initial launch. According to company data, someone signs up for World App every 1.7 seconds, and an individual verifies at an Orb every 3.6 seconds. By September 2025, the app had become the most-used self-custody digital wallet worldwide by monthly active users, according to a SensorTower report. Over two billion Mini App sessions have taken place in just over a year.
The upgrade aims to expand this network into what World describes as “the real human network,” uniting proof of human identity, private communication, and borderless payments under one experience.
World Chat: verification meets private messaging
At the center of the update is World Chat, an encrypted messenger for verified humans. The chat feature allows users to message friends, create groups, exchange images and videos, and send or request payments directly within conversations.
Each message uses color-coded bubbles, blue for verified users and gray for unverified, to signal authenticity. Profile pictures are verified against Orb photos stored on a user’s device, allowing people to confirm that the person they are chatting with is the real holder of a World ID.
Connection through World Chat goes beyond communication. Users can send or request digital asset payments across borders in real time or split group expenses. The feature also enables interactive gifting through animated transfers for special occasions. World said in the statement that all payments are instant, borderless, and free.
The company said privacy remains central to the upgrade. World Chat uses end-to-end encryption and does not collect metadata about who users communicate with or when. Data remains on the user’s device, ensuring conversations stay private.
Mini Apps integrated directly into conversations
The new design allows Mini Apps, such as games, savings tools, or prediction platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, to function inside message threads, turning chat into an interactive environment. This means users can participate in various activities or access third-party applications without leaving the conversation window.
Borderless finance through virtual accounts
In addition to chat and payments, the upgrade introduces virtual accounts, powered by Bridge, available in 18 countries including the United States, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and across Latin America. Each World user now receives a personal account number that connects traditional banking access to the digital asset ecosystem.
Employers can deposit paychecks directly into World App without interacting with blockchains. Users can also fund accounts through banking partners. Deposited U.S. dollars convert seamlessly to USDC for use worldwide, operating 24/7 and without fees from World App.
Expanded assets and new “Earn” feature
The new version supports over 100 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, World Chain native tokens, and tokenized gold. It also introduces more stablecoins such as EURC, wMXN, wARS, wCLP, wBRL, wPEN, and wCOP.
A new feature called “Earn” allows verified humans to move eligible assets into a reward-bearing balance. According to the company, users can currently earn over 15% APY on the first $1,000 in USDC and 18% APY on the first 1,000 WLD, according to the company's announcement. World said that these opportunities use proof of human verification to prevent multiple-account abuse, ensuring fairness.
Real-world spending and upcoming integrations
World App now supports real-world transactions, with QR code payments available at over one million merchants in Argentina. A World Card with Apple Pay and tap-to-pay functionality will launch in the United States in early 2026.
New capabilities for World ID include a verified human badge, privacy-preserving age assurance, and integration with Tinder Japan to reduce impersonation and confirm user identities.
Building a unified identity and payments ecosystem
At World’s headquarters in San Francisco, co-founders Sam Altman and Alex Blania presented the developments. Altman said,
“It’s really hard to both identify unique people and do that in a privacy-preserving way.”
The upgrade represents the company’s continuing effort to create a trusted human network that balances privacy with authenticity, according to the official statement.
World describes its new application as a “super app for humans in the age of AI”, offering verified identity, encrypted communication, and borderless financial tools within a single platform available in more than 100 countries.
Balanced risk context
Users should approach the Earn feature and borderless finance tools with clear risk awareness. Funds held in the app may be exposed to blockchain vulnerabilities, asset volatility, or partner insolvency. Unlike traditional banks, assets in the World App are not insured or guaranteed.
While the app’s innovation in merging identity and payments may set a precedent for verified Web3 ecosystems, financial advisers suggest that users verify all offerings through regulatory disclosures and avoid allocating significant savings to high-yield crypto programs until oversight becomes clearer.
Gunel Ismayilova
Disclaimer: All materials on this site are for informational purposes only. None of the material should be interpreted as investment advice. Please note that despite the nature of much of the material created and hosted on this website, HODL FM is not a financial reference resource, and the opinions of authors and other contributors are their own and should not be taken as financial advice. If you require advice. HODL FM strongly recommends contacting a qualified industry professional.
