WhatsApp is continually evolving with many new features being added to the popular messaging app. Last year, the team behind WhatsApp introduced features that let users migrate their data between Android and iOS. Just recently, users were able to use the same account on more than one device. Now, WhatsApp is adding a feature that a lot of people have asked for the ability to use more than one account on the same device and a new iPad version of the app.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, recently teased that soon, users will be able to use more than one WhatsApp account on the same Android phone. This function has been in the works and has been in testing since August 2023. This is good news for people who have more than one number and use WhatsApp. The feature will soon be available on Android devices but it’s uncertain if it will be making its way to iOS.
In addition to that update, WhatsApp is adding a few more usability tweaks. The first is a new menu that allows users to switch between voice and video messages. The added step is meant to prevent users from switching between modes by mistake. In WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.22.5, you can get this new tool. Currently, this function is only available for Beta users but will be rolled out soon publicly.
WhatsApp is also introducing a feature that will allow users to send voice messages that self-destruct. Just like the “View Once” tool for pictures and videos, this function lets audio messages delete themselves after the recipient opens them. With this feature, users will not be able to record or download the audio notes that disappear after a certain amount of time. Like the previous update, the function is only available on the Beta version of testing at the moment.
It looks like WhatsApp is finally coming to the iPad. The iPad app was initially teased by Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp at Meta, last year. It looks like it’s coming really soon. The app is optimized for iPad devices and looks nearly identical to the desktop version. As of now it’s only in the beta stage of testing and many features are not fully functional. There is also no sign or indication of when it will be released to general users.
Besides that, WhatsApp may also be bringing its take on memojis soon. In the WhatsApp beta for Android (V2.23.19.14), users are able to create and use their personalized avatars in video calls making it more fun and interactive for users. Finally, in the latest update for WhatsApp beta for Android, V2.23.19.16, group calls have been expanded to allow up to 31 participants at a time.
While these features are compelling, it’s worth noting that all of them remain in Beta with no clear timeline for when they will make it to the app itself. Do stay tuned as we keep a lookout for the features to hit the official release.
