WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.23.9.16.
What’s new in this update? WhatsApp is releasing a reply with a message feature within call notifications, and it is available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Reply with a message |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.16 is marked as a compatible update, but some users may be able to get the same feature after installing the previous 2.23.9.15 update. |
| I’ve installed this update but I don’t have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to even more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Saadh Jawwadh, Sc, kingcyrious, and Sniper, for testing and reporting! |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.15: what’s new? WhatsApp is releasing a privacy checkup feature! |
REPLY WITH A MESSAGE
After releasing a privacy checkup feature in the previous WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.15 update, WhatsApp keeps working on new features to release to beta testers. In particular, after installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.9.16 update, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a new reply button within call notifications. This feature allows users to easily decline an incoming call and send a message to the caller at the same time.
As you can see in this screenshot, the reply button may appear when you receive a call, in case the feature is enabled for your account. When a user receives a call notification on WhatsApp, they will now see a “reply” button alongside the “decline” and “answer” buttons. If the user chooses to tap on the “reply” button, the incoming call will be rejected, and a message box will open automatically, allowing the user to send a quick message to the caller. The user can then explain the reason for not being able to answer the call or arrange a better time to talk.
In our opinion, this feature allows users to quickly and easily communicate with callers without having to answer the call. This is especially useful for situations where the user may not be able to answer the call due to being in a meeting, but they still want to acknowledge the call and let the caller know they will respond as soon as possible.
The reply button within call notifications is available for some beta testers that install the latest update of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming days.
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