Sci-Tech
Weekly wrap-up of new WhatsApp features and updates
Here is a list of upcoming features and updates on instant messaging app WhatsApp in case you missed out on any announcements
By Web DeskFebruary 27, 2023
A representational image showing WhatsApp logo on a phones screen and in the background. — AFP/File
A representational image showing WhatsApp logo on a phone’s screen and in the background. — AFP/File
Meta-owned WhatsApp is always rolling out new features and updates in the existing ones for all its versions, Android, iOS, and desktop, to make the application’s usage easy and smooth.
Here is a list of upcoming features and updates on the instant messaging app in case you missed out on any of the announcements.
As per reports, some of the features announced by WhatsApp are not yet available to all testers and are still under development. Some of them are available to beta testers and may be gradually rolled out to users in the coming weeks.
If you are unable to use a certain feature, you need to wait for a future update of the app to access it.
The following is a wrap-up of recent updates and new features.
Edit message
WhatsApp is introducing the ability to edit messages within 15 minutes after a user sends a message. This will allow users to fix any mistakes or add more information to the original message.
This feature is under development but is available for beta users via iOS 23.4.0.72 update.
“The company keeps working on the ability to edit messages by adding an ‘unsupported message’ when it is not compatible with your version of WhatsApp,” said WaBetaInfo.
Search bar
Users can now easily filter the messaging app as a search bar is being released for the beta testers. iOS users can access it through the 23.4.0.73 update.
Newsletter
The messaging app is working on a private newsletter tool. It will be a ” one-to-many tool for broadcasting information and they look like a new way to easily receive useful updates from people and groups like local officials, sports teams, or other organisations.”
This will allow users to be able to choose “who they want to hear from and follow broadcasters of their choice right within WhatsApp.”
Disappearing messages
WhatsApp is allowing users to keep their messages from disappearing as they can save those messages after they expire.
Profile icons
The instant messaging app is working on a feature regarding the profile icons within group chats. This feature is still under development and will be available in a future update.
High-quality photos
This is one of the most anticipated features of WhatsApp that would allow users to send photos in their original quality.
Users will have the option to either send the compressed photo if they wish to save storage, however, they can also send in the original quality.
Report status
The messaging app has brought another update for its users if they are bothered by something inappropriate or something that goes against WhatsApp’s terms on a status update.
It will allow users to report any status update through this. Once you report a status update, this will be sent to the moderation team.
Schedule group calls
WhatsApp is also working on the ability to schedule calls, which will allow the group members to plan their schedules accordingly.
This feature is still under development and will be released in the future update of the Android app.
