WhatsApp is continuously adding new features to improve its users’ chatting experience. This time, the company has rolled out several new updates at once, covering chats, calls, groups, and channels. From an online indicator in group chats to document scanning for iPhone users and voice message transcripts in channels — these new additions promise to enhance functionality and ease of use. Here’s a breakdown of the 12 new features now available on WhatsApp:
1. Online Indicator for Group Chats
This feature lets users see which members of a group are online in real time, improving communication and interaction.
2. Highlight Group Notifications
Users can now prioritize group chat notifications more effectively. The “Notify for” setting can be customized to highlight @mentions, replies, saved contacts, or all contacts.
3. Event Updates
Along with creating events in group chats, users can now have 1:1 conversations around the event. The feature also allows options like RSVP as ‘maybe’, add a plus one, set an end date for large events, and pin the event in the chat.
4. Tap to React Quickly
Users can now view all reactions in a group chat at once and tap on any of them to send it as their own reaction—making participation faster and smoother.
5. Document Scanning for iPhone
iPhone users can now directly scan and send documents through WhatsApp. Just go to the attachment tray, select “Scan Document”, then scan, crop, and save before sending.
6. Set WhatsApp as Default App (iPhone)
iOS users can now make WhatsApp their default messaging and calling app by adjusting the settings in their phone.
7. Pinch to Zoom in Video Calls
iPhone users can zoom in during video calls by pinching the screen, allowing for a clearer view of the video feed.
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8. Add Participants to Ongoing Calls
Users can now add more people to an ongoing one-on-one call by tapping the call icon and selecting “Add to Call.”
9. Improved Video Calling Experience
WhatsApp’s optimized routing system now finds the best connection path, reducing call drops and freezing. It also detects bandwidth more accurately, automatically upgrading video quality to HD when possible.
10. Video Notes for Channels
Just like in regular chats, channel admins can now record and share short video messages (up to 60 seconds) with their followers.
11. Voice Message Transcripts in Channels
Users can now view written transcripts of voice messages in channels — useful for when they can’t listen to audio messages.
12. QR Codes for Channels
Channel admins can now generate and share unique QR codes for their channels, making it easier to grow their audience.
These features are being gradually rolled out and will be available to all users soon.