CALIFORNIA (Kashmir English): WhatsApp has unveiled a set of new features aimed at enhancing user experience across both groups and personal messaging.
The updates are part of its new monthly feature round-up that promise group chat engagement tools, upgraded options for video calling, and new ways to engage with messages and media.
WhatsApp ‘online’ indicator in group chats
One of the most exciting features is the unveiling of an ‘online’ indicator in group chats, allowing users to see how many members are currently active in real time. The update is aimed at enhancing live engagement within large conversations.
The platform has also initiated highlight-based group notifications, enabling users to receive alerts only for @mentions, replies, or messages from saved contacts — a feature designed to reduce notification overload.
Among the most exciting changes is about scheduling and coordination. WhatsApp now has enabled users to create events in both group and personal chats, with added RSVP options such as “maybe” and the ability to invite a guest.
iPhone users can specifically benefit from several iOS-specific updates, including a new document scanning tool, pinch-to-zoom functionality in video calls, and improved video quality for more stable and high-definition call experiences.
Additionally, tappable reactions would allow users to quickly respond with the same emoji reaction as someone else in the chat.
Users can now also add participants to ongoing one-on-one calls directly from their chat threads.
The platform has also improved its broadcast feature. Admins can now share short video updates (up to 60 seconds), and voice messages can be automatically transcribed, enhancing accessibility and engagement.
WhatsApp Channel discovery is further simplified with QR code sharing, allowing followers to join with a single scan.
The updates aim to refine both usability and connectivity, signalling WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to maintain its position as a leader in global messaging, according to the platform.
