WhatsApp has introduced several new features across Chats, Calls, and the Updates tab, including animated emojis, a personalized animated sticker maker, and easier group creation without needing to add members immediately.
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Story about? | New features for chats, calls, updates tabs |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | Latest versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS have been designated as compatible updates. |
| I've installed the latest version but these features are not available. Why? | These features are available to some users and they are rolling out to more people over the coming weeks. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.18.10.70: what's new? WhatsApp is working on a feature to assign a tag to group chat members! |
FEATURES FOR CHATS, CALLS, UPDATES
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.14.12 update, we announced that a feature to create group chats without needing to add members right away was available. This feature allows users to initiate a group by simply assigning a name, without being required to select participants during the setup process. It offers a more flexible and thoughtful approach to group creation, giving users time to determine who should be included in the conversation. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this feature with a wider audience, as the company has announced this functionality along with several other enhancements.
Through an official blog post, WhatsApp has just announced a series of innovative updates aimed at making communication more fun, interactive, and convenient for its users. The new features span across Chats, Calls, and the Updates tab, offering something fresh for every type of user, from emoji lovers to group chat enthusiasts. In the Chats section, WhatsApp introduced animated emojis, bringing extra flair to conversations. Now, when users send certain emojis, they will animate, adding a dynamic touch to chats. The newly animated emojis include the red heart, two hearts, hundred points, smiling face with sunglasses, winking face, sparkles, and face blowing a kiss.
Also in Chats, users can now use a new animated sticker maker, which allows them to turn their favorite videos into personalized moving stickers. This feature elevates sticker usage, letting people creatively express themselves in a way that feels uniquely theirs. Additionally, avatar social stickers are now available in one-on-one chats. These can only be shared with contacts who also have avatars, as revealed in the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.11.3 update.
Creating groups has been made more flexible with the new easier group creation feature. The WhatsApp beta for Android 2.255.14.12 update allowed some users to start a group by simply assigning a name, without having to add participants immediately. Now, this feature is widely available, making it easier for everyone to plan events or projects without rushing to fill the group first. Media sharing also gets an upgrade. When sending multiple photos and videos, users can now add a shared caption for the entire batch. This feature was first released to beta testers with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.24.9 update, and it's now available to a wider audience. Recipients can then react or reply to the collection as a whole or to individual items within it.
The Calls tab has been refined with a dedicated space for making new calls, sharing call links, and managing call history. The simplified interface brings all calling-related actions into one easy-to-access location. Moreover, WhatsApp revealed that users can now enjoy six new filters and six fun effects on video calls or while capturing photos, making digital interaction more colorful and expressive.
In the Updates tab, which includes Status and Channels, WhatsApp has added several enhancements. Channel admins can now create photo polls, giving each poll option its own image to make decisions more engaging and visually intuitive. Users can also star their favorite channel updates, allowing them to revisit important or entertaining posts with ease. WhatsApp is also expanding the way users interact through status updates. While last year brought the ability to mention individual contacts, now users can mention entire groups in a Status update. All group members will receive a notification in the group chat, and they can reshare the Status with their own networks.
It's important to note that this announcement applies to both Android and iOS, ensuring a consistent experience across platforms. Users on either operating system will benefit from the same expanded set of features. The rollout will continue gradually over the coming weeks, reaching more people around the world. As availability widens, more users will be able to take advantage of these enhancements and discover new ways to stay connected.
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