WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.10.16: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.10.16.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out an improved user experience for voice and video calls, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.8.10.74 update, we announced that a feature to set WhatsApp as the default app for messages and calls was available. This update allows users to choose WhatsApp as their primary communication app, seamlessly integrating it with the iOS ecosystem. With the introduction of default app selection starting from iOS 18.2, Apple has enabled users to customize their preferred apps for messaging, calls, email, web browsing, and more. WhatsApp is leveraging this change to offer a more streamlined experience for users who rely on its messaging and calling features. It seems that WhatsApp is continuing to introduce new features to enhance the calling experience, aiming to make communication even more convenient. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.10.16 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out an improved user experience for voice and video calls!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore three new features designed to enhance voice and video calling. The first of these notable additions is the new mute button that appears in the notification panel when receiving an incoming voice call. This button allows users to accept the call while simultaneously muting the microphone, which can be particularly useful in situations where they need to quickly accept a call but don't want to immediately engage in conversation. In case of meetings or noisy environments, this feature gives users the flexibility to accept the call without disrupting the surroundings or being heard by the other person.

Another significant improvement is the ability to disable video before accepting an incoming video call. Previously, users had to answer a call first before turning off their camera, which could be uncomfortable, especially when receiving unexpected video calls or calls from unknown numbers. With this update, users can now choose to enter a video call with their camera off, allowing them to assess the situation before revealing their video feed. This added layer of privacy is particularly useful when receiving a video call from an unknown number. In such situations, some users may not be ready to appear on camera or may not know what to expect from the caller. By turning off the video before accepting the call, users can decide whether they want to engage visually, giving them more control and reducing the potential discomfort of unexpectedly being on camera. This feature helps ensure that users can handle calls from unfamiliar contacts with more confidence and privacy.

Additionally, WhatsApp is introducing emoji reactions in video calls, making interactions more dynamic and expressive. This feature allows participants to react in real time without interrupting the conversation, making it especially beneficial in group video calls. For example, users can send a thumbs-up to show agreement, a laughing emoji in response to a joke, or a heart to express appreciation, all without needing to speak. It is particularly helpful in large meetings or casual group calls where verbal responses might disrupt the flow of conversation.

Together, these three features significantly improve the calling experience on WhatsApp, making both voice and video calls more user-friendly and adaptable to different situations. The ability to mute an incoming call provides greater flexibility in managing the microphone from the notification, while the option to disable video before answering enhances privacy and comfort. Meanwhile, emoji reactions add a fun and expressive way to interact, making conversations livelier and more engaging. By introducing these enhancements, WhatsApp continues to refine its communication tools, ensuring that users have more control and convenience when making and receiving calls.

An improved user experience for voice and video calls is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.

Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X. You can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.

Do you like this news? Please, let us know on X: we love hearing your feedback! If you're curious to see where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services.
In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.