Oh yes, it's there, thanks. I wonder when they added it...

Edit: Waaait a bit. I have it on iOS and I have it on some laptop where whatsapp desktop is an old version.

I can't find it on my desktop where their desktop app is the latest and greatest...

They probably "improved my whatsapp experience".

Edit 2: besides, that just doesn't download the photos, I think? They still take half the screen that could be used for displaying more text...

> I wonder when they added it...

At least 7-8 years. Probably from whenever it became possible to send media messages.

Does not work on any version of whatsapp desktop, even the ones that have the option present. I still get all the crappy gifs in my chats.

The option to disable auto download has been there since day 1.