WhatsApp rolls out updates for chats, calls, and iPhone users
WhatsApp announced it is rolling out several updates to group chats, events, calls, channels, and iPhone users.
You can now see how many people are “online” in real time in group chats. This “Online” indicator can be found under the group name. Fortunately (or not), this feature does not reveal specific names.
To prioritise group chat notifications, you can use the new “Notify for” setting and select “Highlights” to limit notifications for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts.
If you suffer from FOMO, you can opt for “All” to receive all notifications. Reactions are now tappable, so you can tap on them to add your own or “+1”.
Besides creating events in group chats, you can also create an event in a one-on-one conversation. There are options to RSVP as “maybe”, invite a significant other, add an end date and time, and pin the event.
iPhone users can now scan and send documents directly from WhatsApp. Additionally, as part of updates to iOS 18.4, they can set WhatsApp as their default messaging and calling app. This option can be found in Settings > Default Apps > WhatsApp. They can also pinch to zoom in during video calls to get a closer look at themselves or their friends.
WhatsApp says video calls are now more reliable and higher quality thanks to its optimised routing system, which finds the best connection to minimise dropped calls and video freezing.
As for Channels, admins can record and share videos of 60 seconds or less with their followers. Voice message transcripts are available for Channel users who don’t have time to listen to them. Unique QR codes can be generated by admins to share with followers to grow the audience.
Source: WhatsApp
