WhatsApp is constantly releasing new updates to improve the messaging experience for its billions of users. The latest update introduces some handy new features that make chatting and sharing even better. In this article, we’ll take a look at the key highlights and changes in the newest WhatsApp update.
New Disappearing Messages Option
One of the most notable additions in this WhatsApp update is the ability to make messages disappear after a set duration. WhatsApp is now allowing users to enable disappearing messages that will automatically delete after 7 days. This can help keep chats clutter-free and private.
To use this, open an individual or group chat, tap the contact or group name, select Disappearing messages, and choose the duration. The setting can be turned off at any time to go back to the default permanent storage of messages.
Updated Wallpaper Options
WhatsApp has introduced an updated wallpaper section with new functionality. There are now dedicated wallpaper collections to choose from, making it easier to find fresh wallpapers to customize chats.
The wallpaper picker features the following new categories:
- Bright – Vibrant gradient wallpapers
- Dark – Dramatic dark gradient wallpapers
- Solid Color – Plain solid color wallpapers
- Doodle – Abstract scribbled artwork wallpapers
- Sticker – Wallpapers with fun illustrated stickers
You can browse these collections and set a chat wallpaper directly from this updated hub. It provides a better wallpaper browsing experience compared to the previous implementation.
New Sticker Search
Searching for stickers on WhatsApp has become easier than ever. When you tap on the emoji icon in a chat, you’ll now see a search bar at the top. This allows you to search for relevant stickers using keywords.
For instance, if you type “good morning”, it will show you good morning greeting stickers. This makes finding the perfect sticker much faster without having to browse categories.
Enhanced Group Video Calls
Group video calls have become more popular than ever during the pandemic as people connect virtually. WhatsApp is making these group video calls better with some handy improvements.
Key group calling upgrades include:
- Bigger tiles – Video tiles for participants are now larger to see people better.
- More participants – Calls can now support up to 8 participants at a time.
- Always-on mode – Video can stay on even when participants aren’t actively speaking.
- Picture-in-picture – This allows you to multitask during a call while keeping the video visible.
Together these enhancements deliver a richer group video call experience and make it possible to have longer virtual hangouts using WhatsApp.
New Voice Message Preview
WhatsApp has added a useful new feature for previewing voice messages before sending them. Now when you record a voice message, you’ll get the option to tap and listen to a quick preview of it before hitting send.
This allows you to ensure the message sounds clear and audible. You can re-record the voice note if needed. The preview lasts for a few seconds and can save you the embarrassment of sending a poor quality message.
Updated Media Picker
Sharing photos and videos has also been improved in this update. The media picker you see when attaching media now has larger thumbnails for a better glance at the files.
Additionally, you’ll now see handy contextual recommendations. For example, if someone asks you to share a photo from your trip, the media picker may show suggested photos from that trip to select from.
New Chat Bubbles
Chat bubbles provide a convenient floating messaging interface for quick replies when in another app. The latest WhatsApp update introduces improved chat bubbles that are smarter and respond faster.
Key changes to chat bubbles include:
- Faster launch time – Bubbles pop up quicker when receiving a new message.
- Smoother animation – The bubble animations have been overhauled for a smoother effect.
- Context awareness – Bubbles appear intelligently based on what you’re doing on your device.
- Updated look – Visual refinements to the bubble design and colors.
Together these upgrades make conversation via chat bubbles even snappier and more user-friendly.
New Custom Sticker Creator
WhatsApp has launched an integrated custom sticker maker in this release. This new tool allows you to turn any photo into a sticker for use in chats.
To create a custom sticker:
- Open the stickers panel in a chat.
- Tap the plus icon and select “Create new sticker”.
- Crop and select the photo to use.
- Preview and add the sticker to a pack.
The sticker will be saved to a pack and can be shared in chats just like regular WhatsApp stickers. This provides endless possibilities for unique personalized stickers.
Updated Data Settings
More granular control over data usage is now available in WhatsApp’s new update. There is a dedicated data settings section with the following options:
- Media Auto-Download – Choose when to auto-download media (on cellular data or Wi-Fi only).
- Roaming – Disable auto-download when roaming.
- Backup – Select backup frequency and backup when roaming.
These settings allow optimizing data consumption and costs based on your preferences and connectivity.
User Interface Improvements
Along with the above features, this WhatsApp update also contains general UI enhancements for a smoother experience. These include:
- Redesigned chat bubbles for incoming and outgoing messages.
- Tweaked info and settings icon designs.
- Improved animations when opening contacts and menus.
- Updated illustration graphics in some sections.
The visual refresh streamlines navigation and provides a more polished look and feel.
iOS-Specific Updates
In addition to the general updates, the latest WhatsApp version brings some specific improvements for iOS users including:
- New photo picker design
- iPad multi-tasking optimization
- Visibility of iPhone media in chat info
- Fix for app freezing issue
These changes deliver a better native messaging experience on iOS devices.
Android-Specific Updates
For Android users, the main highlights are:
- Redesigned media picker for Android 11 and higher
- Support for Android 12 splash screen
- Fix for app crash on opening Group Info
- Resolved battery drain issue
The Android optimizations provide improved reliability and device integration.
Conclusion
The latest WhatsApp update packs a significant number of new features, visual changes, and performance improvements. Key highlights include disappearing messages, updated wallpapers, group call enhancements, new stickers, chat bubbles, data settings, UI changes, and platform-specific fixes.
Together, these updates take the WhatsApp messaging experience to the next level with greater personalization, convenience, utility, privacy, and visual polish. Users on both iOS and Android can enjoy these new additions that make connecting through WhatsApp better than ever.