WhatsApp Update

Now, WhatsApp users can apply themes to their chats with custom backgrounds and coloured chat bubbles

The ability to create and manage events is already available on WhatsApp, however, it is currently limited to group chats and community groups

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