WhatsApp has announced a wave of new updates aimed at improving the user experience across its messaging, calling, and channel features — a strategic push to stay competitive with rivals like Telegram and Discord.
One of the standout additions is a real-time “Online” indicator at the top of group chats, showing how many participants are currently active and available to chat.
In a further upgrade to group messaging, users can now control their notifications more precisely with a new “Notify for” setting. This allows them to choose “Highlights” — only receiving alerts for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts — or opt for “All” notifications.
For iPhone users, WhatsApp is introducing several exclusive features. A new document scanning tool allows users to scan, crop, and send documents directly from the app via the attachment menu. iPhone users can also now make WhatsApp their default calling and messaging app, and enjoy pinch-to-zoom functionality during video calls.
Video calling overall has received a significant upgrade. WhatsApp says it has improved its technology to ensure more stable and higher-quality calls, with fewer dropped connections and better handling of bandwidth for HD video.
The app is also expanding its event creation tools. While group chat event planning has been available for some time, users can now create events in one-on-one chats. New event options include RSVPing as “maybe,” adding a plus one, setting end times, and pinning events for easier access.
In one-on-one calls, users can now add another participant directly from the chat screen by tapping the call icon and selecting “Add to call.”
WhatsApp Channels are also getting three new features: admins can now record and share short videos, generate unique QR codes for their channels, and offer followers written summaries of voice messages — ideal for users who are short on time or on the move.
