The new WhatsApp feature lets users select a track for their Status from an Instagram Stories-like music library
WhatsApp users can now react to a message in chats by double-tapping it, instead of using the press and hold gesture
Older phones cannot support the app's evolving features, which is why WhatsApp will discontinue support for certain systems at specific points in their lifecycle
These new festive season-inspired features are available for a limited period, from December 20 till January 3, 2025
With iOS 18.2, Apple allows changing default apps for calls and messages. With a built-in dialler, WhatsApp would join supported 3rd-party applications for both calls and messages on eligible iPhones
WhatsApp has enhanced video call quality and desktop calling, introduced selective calling in groups and new effects on the mobile and desktop app
WhatsApp introduces a new typing indicator feature with enhanced visual cues for user identification, improving real-time engagement in chats
Currently, WhatsApp supports iOS 12 and newer versions. However, from May 2025, the app will require iOS 15.1 or later
WhatsApp said that the new audio message transcription feature will start rolling out globally over the coming weeks
Reportedly, Meta is integrating Google's reverse image search functionality into WhatsApp for Android
Meta stated that with Lists, WhatsApp users can create custom filters for searching chats related to work, family, and more
With a built-in contact manager, WhatsApp is rolling out a new way to save contacts exclusively within the app, independent of the smartphone's address book
Similar to OpenAI's memory feature for ChatGPT, Meta AI will soon remember specific details shared with the chatbot automatically and offer personalised answers based on the information
Reportedly, the new typing indicator appears as a chat bubble in the conversation screen allowing users to see who is typing without distracting from the ongoing conversation
WhatsApp users can now browse seven categories to discover channels to follow. The update is being rolled out globally and will be available to all users in the coming days
Meta Verified will now be available to all eligible small businesses in India using the WhatsApp Business app
Passkeys will use biometric data such as facial recognition and fingerprints and would be an alternative to the old password system
Although the option to mark all chats as read at once has been available on iOS for some time, WhatsApp has begun testing it on the Android app now
This feature, currently available in WhatsApp Android beta version 2.24.18.2, aims to enhance privacy and protect users against spam
Custom Sticker Maker tool on Android lets users create and edit their own stickers. Users can also ask Meta AI to generate a sticker from scratch which can be shared with others