WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.21.1.71: what's new?
WhatsApp has just submitted a new update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 23.21.1.71. The version marked within WhatsApp Settings is 2.23.21.71 and the TestFlight build is 23.21.1 (527453436).
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a new menu to switch between audio and video message mode, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | New audio and video menu |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.21.1.71 is marked as a compatible update, but some users may be able to experiment with the same feature by installing the previous beta version. |
| I have the same version but I don't have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it's rolling out to more people over the coming days. |
| Thanks: | mateusmarquezini, SiLent, Youssef Salem, Ismail Nasre Eldine, Federico Trevisani, and Hamada, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp is working on a search message by date feature for the web client! |
NEW AUDIO AND VIDEO MENU
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.18.1.70 update, we announced that WhatsApp was releasing enhanced control for instant video messages. With this option, WhatsApp was providing users with greater control over this feature by allowing them to disable video messages. It appears that WhatsApp is discontinuing this feature due to numerous complaints from users who found that the instant video messaging feature didn't function as expected. This was largely because users had to manually enable the option, and many were unaware of this requirement. However, after installing the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.21.1.71 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, WhatsApp is now rolling out a new menu to switch between audio and video message mode:
As you can see in this screenshot, a new menu may now become visible when you tap either the microphone or camera icon. This menu provides users with the option to choose between audio and video message modes. Previously, WhatsApp would automatically switch to the other mode upon tapping the audio or video button. However, with the latest update, WhatsApp has introduced this menu to simplify the selection process.
The introduction of a menu to choose between audio and video message mode, as opposed to an automatic switch, offers a clear advantage in terms of user control and flexibility. In fact, allowing users to manually select between audio and video message mode gives them greater control over their communication. This means they can specifically choose the mode that best suits their current needs, whether it's a quick voice message or a more instant video message. In addition, we think that automatic switching can sometimes lead to unintentional mode changes. With a manual menu, users can be confident that the mode they select is the one they will use, reducing the chances of unexpected switches.
The new menu to switch between audio and video message mode is available to some beta testers who install the latest versions of WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app, and it's rolling out to more people over the coming days.
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