A total of twelve new features are being introduced by WhatsApp, which draws inspiration from other well-known messaging apps like Slack and Discord. A new “online” indication that resembles Discord’s real-time status display is one of the most obvious updates. This upgrade will make it simpler to know who is active in a group conversation, even if WhatsApp hasn’t made it clear whether users may manually change their online or offline status.

Additionally, group chat notification management is becoming simpler. Users may now more precisely filter alerts with a new “Notify for” option. You can only get notifications for messages, mentions, or answers from your stored contacts if you choose “Highlight”. As an alternative, you may choose to get all notifications by selecting the “All” option. Similar to Slack and Discord, users may also touch on other people’s message responses to instantaneously respond with the same emoji.

A real-time online participant count, which is now shown at the top of group conversations so you can know who is there, is another useful improvement.

Additionally, events are more resilient. Now, users may select start and finish hours, RSVP with a “maybe”, and invite a guest. Events may be pinned in group conversations for easy access and generated in direct messaging.

iPhone owners now have access to two new unique features. The first is an integrated document scanner that eliminates the need for an additional app to scan, crop, and save documents. In the second, users may make WhatsApp the default message and calling app by going to Settings > Default Apps.

Fans of voice messages will adore a new transcription function that allows you to read received voice notes rather than listening to them on the WhatsApp Updates page. Channel administrators may now share their channels using QR codes and access 60-second voice notes in video format, which makes it simpler to expand and engage with followers.

Finally, the quality of video calls has improved. Whatsapp claims that they are now “higher quality and more dependable”. By pressing the call button in chat threads, participants may join ongoing conversations immediately. During video calls, users can touch to zoom in to see more of what is being discussed.