It may be due to facebook aquisition or whatever might have led to this most sought feature in whatsapp.
No third party app is needed. All you need is to upgrade your app whichever platform you are on, ios,android, etc.
After that just go to settings ---> account -----> privacy ------> and voilla you can choose each of the three things to show
Last seen, Profile photo, Status
Options are :
Nobody, only contacts or everyone.