WhatsApp news of the week: voice chats feature for all group sizes is available on Android and iOS

Missed our weekly WhatsApp beta updates? Catch up now with our summary! Among our 11 stories we shared, the best news of the week is about voice chats, now available for groups of all sizes!

1. With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.7 update, some beta testers can now mark channel updates as important using a new starring feature. Starred updates are saved to a dedicated section in the channel info screen and also appear in a global starred updates list for easy access. This helps users quickly organize and revisit valuable content without needing to scroll through entire channels.
2. The same feature for starring channel updates is also available after installing the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.16.10.71 update. Users can tap and hold any channel update to access the new "Star" option, saving important posts to a dedicated section within the channel info screen. A unified section for starred channel updates in the app settings now includes these updates alongside starred messages, and any saved content from unfollowed channels is automatically removed to keep the list current.
3. Through the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.16.10.72 update, we highlighted a feature under development to let users react to messages using stickers directly from the reaction tray. The tray will show default emojis, recently used emojis, and recently used stickers for quick access. This feature will support animated stickers too, including those created by WhatsApp using the Lottie framework.
4. In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.27 update, we announced that WhatsApp is testing a new feature that lets users mute notifications for all chats within a specific list with a single action. By tapping and holding a chat list or accessing the list settings, users will be able to mute all conversations in that list at once, eliminating the need to mute chats individually. This bulk mute option will especially be helpful for temporarily silencing groups like work colleagues or classmates.
5. WhatsApp has officially rolled out voice chats for groups of all sizes, allowing any group—small or large—to start and join live audio conversations easily. Users can initiate a voice chat by swiping up and holding at the bottom of the group chat without disrupting the ongoing text messages, and participants can join or leave silently at their convenience. These voice chats are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring secure, private conversations, while the pinned interface keeps controls and participant info accessible throughout the session.

6. In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.8 update, we announced that WhatsApp is planning to introduce a feature that lets users request activity reports detailing how their private AI-powered requests are processed. These reports are designed to enhance transparency around Private Processing and they will explain the secure steps taken, data shared within the protected environment, and how AI models handled the tasks, helping users verify that their privacy remains intact.
7. In the article covering the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.10 update, we revealed that WhatsApp is developing a feature that will let users export activity reports directly on their device. The feature will offer two options to export data from the last 15 minutes up to the past 3 days. This allows for quick reviews of recent interactions or broader analysis of AI-powered activity over time.
8. WhatsApp will soon notify users about recommended channels based on the ones they already follow, as highlighted in the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.21 update. This feature is designed to help users discover new content tailored to their interests. Users can opt out of these notifications anytime via a new toggle in the app’s notification settings.
9. The WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.17.24 update brings information regarding a new feature under development about a new AI filter in the Chats tab that automatically groups all conversations involving AI interactions. The filter will be added by default but can be removed or re-added anytime through the app settings, giving users full control over its presence.
10. Several users reported a frustrating bug where tapping links in chats, groups, or channels didn't open the associated websites, breaking direct access to shared content. As a temporary workaround, users could tap and hold links to access a menu with an option to open them manually, or find links in the "Shared Links" section of the chat info screen. The WhatsApp for iOS 25.16.74 update finally fixes this issue, restoring normal link opening by a simple tap.
11. Several users experienced a bug where voice messages were not marked as heard, causing confusion about whether voice notes had been listened to. This issue also prevented senders from receiving accurate playback notifications, disrupting communication feedback. The WhatsApp for iOS 25.16.75 update successfully fixes this problem, but both sender and recipient must update to this version to ensure proper syncing of playback status.

Stay tuned with us to discover new features and updates about WhatsApp, coming your way next week!

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