WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.37.4: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.37.4.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets users send media from the chat share sheet, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Media from the chat share sheet |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.37.4 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users may experiment with the same feature by installing the previous update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | FastenM, Lukkkas, and Kundapura World, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.37.2: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that makes forwarding and group creation options more prominent! |
WhatsApp Introduces Camera Shortcut and Media Sharing in Chat Share Sheet
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.24.23 update, we announced that a feature to bring a camera shortcut to the gallery sheet was available. With this functionality, users can quickly access the camera without leaving the gallery, streamlining the process of capturing and sharing new media. This update aims to balance the convenience of the previous direct camera shortcut with the improved gallery navigation. This experience offers a more seamless workflow when switching between browsing existing media and taking new photos or videos.
It appears that WhatsApp is continuously working on improving the chat attachment menu to make accessing media and other options smoother and more intuitive. These updates aim to simplify interactions within chats and enhance the overall user experience. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.37.4 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets users send media from the chat share sheet!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a gallery interface embedded directly at the bottom of the chat attachment menu, allowing them to view and select recent photos and videos without opening the main gallery app. The interface begins with a camera shortcut that mirrors the functionality already available in the chat bar, providing quick access to capture new content on the spot. Below the camera entry, users will see their most recent media from the device's gallery, making it easier to share the latest moments in chats and groups. Note that users who have the Payment option (UPI, PIX) may see it in place of the main camera shortcut to prevent redundancy.
The new arrangement removes the need to leave the chat to access the gallery, allowing users to browse their media while staying fully aware of the ongoing conversation. By merging the camera and recent media into a single view, users can quickly decide whether to capture a new photo or share existing content while navigating the chat share sheet. In daily use, this means someone can open a conversation, tap the attachment icon, and immediately have the option to scroll through recent shots, all from the same interface. Users who frequently share media will notice a smoother flow, as they no longer need to switch between different sections to pick what they want to send.
When a photo or video is selected from the new gallery sheet, WhatsApp doesn't send the item automatically. Instead, the app presents it in the drawing editor, allowing users to make edits like adding text, stickers, or drawings before sharing. This step provides a double-check to prevent accidental sends. It gives users full control over their media before it reaches the chat.
In addition to this, WhatsApp has also redesigned the various sharing options within the chat share sheet. These options now feature a pill-shaped design, creating a cleaner and more organized layout alongside the gallery sheet. WhatsApp has also renamed the "Documents" option to "Files", reflecting a broader approach to sharing content. This change emphasizes that users can send any type of file, not just traditional documents. It becomes particularly useful after the update that allows sharing files up to two gigabytes in size, making large file transfers much easier within chats.
It's important to note that the gallery sheet is currently an experimental rollout, which means it may not eventually reach all users. WhatsApp is likely collecting feedback from beta testers to understand how the feature is used and whether any changes are needed. Depending on this feedback, WhatsApp could decide to adjust the feature, keep it as is, or even remove it entirely. As with many other experiments, there's no guarantee it will become a permanent part of the app.
The feature that lets users send media from the chat share sheet is now available to some beta testers who install the latest update of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store. At this stage, WhatsApp is fine-tuning the feature to ensure it works smoothly. This gradual rollout helps WhatsApp identify and resolve any issues while improving the overall experience. As mentioned above, a potential wider release will depend on how well the feature performs and the feedback received from testers.
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