WhatsApp has just rolled out a wave of exciting new features across chats, calls, and channels, further solidifying its position as a top messaging app. These updates aim to enhance user experience, compete with rivals like Telegram and Discord, and introduce tools for better communication.
Let’s dive into the latest WhatsApp features and how to use them!
🔥 Top WhatsApp New Features You Should Try
1. “Online” Indicator for Group Chats
Now, you can see how many group members are active with a new “Online” status bar at the top of group chats. No more guessing if someone’s around to reply!
📌 How to use it?
- Open any group chat → Check the top bar for active users.
2. Smarter Group Notifications with “Highlights”
Tired of constant group pings? WhatsApp now lets you customize notifications for:
✔️ @mentions & replies
✔️ Messages from saved contacts
✔️ All messages (default)
📌 How to enable it?
- Go to Group Settings → Notifications → Select “Highlights” or “All”.
3. Scan & Send Documents on iPhone
iPhone users can now scan documents directly in WhatsApp—perfect for quick paperwork or contracts.
📌 How it works?
- Tap Attachment → Scan Document → Crop & Send.
4. Set WhatsApp as Default Calling/Messaging App (iPhone)
Finally! iPhone users can make WhatsApp their default for calls and messages, just like Android.
📌 How to set it up?
- Go to iPhone Settings → WhatsApp → Default Apps.
5. Pinch-to-Zoom in Video Calls (iPhone)
A small but game-changing update—now zoom in/out during video calls with a simple pinch gesture.
6. Add Participants to Ongoing 1:1 Calls
Need to turn a private call into a group chat? Now you can add more people mid-call!
📌 How to do it?
- Tap the Call Icon in a chat → “Add to Call”.
📢 WhatsApp Channels Get 3 Big Updates
- Video Updates for Channels
- Admins can now record & share short video updates (like Instagram Stories).
- QR Codes for Channels
- Easily share your Channel via scannable QR codes.
- Voice Message Summaries
- Get AI-generated text summaries of voice notes—perfect for busy users.
💡 Why These Updates Matter?
WhatsApp is stepping up its game against competitors:
✔️ Better than Telegram? (More integrated features)
✔️ Faster than Discord? (Simplified calling & group tools)
✔️ More privacy-focused? (End-to-end encryption remains)
