MyHeritage "Whole Genome Sequencing"

[Boudin]

https://blog.myheritage.com/2025/10/myheritage-upgrades-its-dna-tests-to-whole-genome-sequencing/

Beginning 1 Jan 2026 all MyHeritage kits will be processed with low-pass x2 "whole genome sequencing" (WGS).

However, I asked for clarification about haplogroups via email, and they confirmed their WGS does not test Y-DNA nor mitochondrial DNA (and presumably, not X chromosomes either).

So, their WGS is actually "whole autosome sequencing".

[gixajo]

https://blog.myheritage.com/2025/10/myheritage-upgrades-its-dna-tests-to-whole-genome-sequencing/

Beginning 1 Jan 2026 all MyHeritage kits will be processed with low-pass x2 "whole genome sequencing" (WGS).

However, I asked for clarification about haplogroups via email, and they confirmed their WGS does not test Y-DNA nor mitochondrial DNA (and presumably, not X chromosomes either).

So, their WGS is actually "whole autosome sequencing".

Do you know if if they will update our estimates based on that ?

Will we be able to download the new raw data resulting from this new and expanded reading of our DNA?

For free, with an extra charge...?

[AnthrogenicaRefugee]

I have two kits that I haven't used yet. I wonder if they will also be processed like that, or if they want you to order again.

[Boudin]

I have two kits that I haven't used yet. I wonder if they will also be processed like that, or if they want you to order again.

Yes, all kits they receive beginning 1 Jan 2026 will be processed with WGS. You don't need to order again.

[hazmatnik]

Yes, all kits they receive beginning 1 Jan 2026 will be processed with WGS. You don't need to order again.

This is really strange because all WGS do Y and MtDNA idk how they can call this WGS :rolleyes:

[Boudin]

Do you know if if they will update our estimates based on that ?

Will we be able to download the new raw data resulting from this new and expanded reading of our DNA?

For free, with an extra charge...?

People are reporting improved matching, but I'm not sure about how much it will affect ethnicity estimates.

Yes, you will be able to download the whole (well, "whole") genome data as a CRAM file, but I think they're still working on making that feature live.

[Boudin]

This is really strange because all WGS do Y and MtDNA idk how they can call this WGS :rolleyes:

It's false marketing. They aren't testing the X chromosomes either.

[hazmatnik]

It's false marketing. They aren't testing the X chromosomes either.

Yeah i figured out that, what else to expect from Jewish company.

[ScandinavianCelt]

Their website says my ethnicity estimates are being updated and will be ready by tomorrow.

[ScandinavianCelt]

Apparently the SNP difference of this new "Whole Genome" result will increase the SNPs from about 600,000 to 2,400,000,000 to 2,700,000,000 SNPs.

[ScandinavianCelt]

it does not appear any different for me after updating