WhatsApp is experiencing one of its most intense periods of change, and many of these new features focus on the new transition between WhatsApp calls and video calls and in how we manage communications within the app. The platform aims to make transitioning from a simple audio message to a group video call with effects, filters, and shared links almost automatic, hassle-free, and with much more control for the user.
In the latest betas and stable updates, features have appeared that, combined, completely change the experience: From a revamped interface for Android calls to improvements in video quality, emoji reactions, call links accessible from any chat, visual effects, and new privacy controlsIn addition, tools have been added to chats, groups, and channels, completing the ecosystem for more than 2.000 billion users.
New interface for calls and video calls in WhatsApp for Android
In the Beta version of WhatsApp for Android, specifically in the build identified as 2.25.10.16A revamped interface for managing voice and video calls has been detected. This update not only changes the visual appearance but also introduces key settings designed for real-world, everyday use, such as when you receive a call at an inconvenient time or don't want to automatically activate your camera.
One of the major new features is the inclusion of a mute button directly in the incoming call notificationNow, when someone calls you on WhatsApp, you can accept the call while your microphone remains muted from the very first second—perfect for situations where you need to answer but can't speak yet.
This behavior offers added flexibility, because The caller will see that the call has been answered, even if you keep your microphone off.This way, communication isn't cut off, but you still have time to find a quiet place or a suitable environment before you start talking.
In the case of video calls, the new interface adds another important change: the option to disable the camera before accepting the callUntil now, the process was always the same: you answered and the camera turned on instantly. With the new UI, you can enter using only audio, assess the situation, and decide later whether you want to show your image.
This adjustment is especially useful against unexpected video calls, from unknown numbers or at inconvenient timesBy preventing the camera from activating without prior notice, privacy is better protected and the experience is tailored to what the user really wants in each context.
Another interesting change is the addition of emoji reactions in video callsJust like other video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp allows you to send visual reactions on the screen during the call, so you can express emotion or agreement without interrupting the person who is speaking.
These reactions are displayed for a few seconds and then disappear automatically, generating a A very useful layer of non-verbal communication in group video calls with many peoplewhere everyone speaking at once is impossible, but a simple graphic gesture can say it all.
Smoother transition between calls, links, and video calls
Beyond the visual interface changes, WhatsApp is focusing its efforts on making it more natural to organize and link calls and video callsThis applies to both group and individual chats. The goal is to make setting up a meeting a matter of seconds, without having to navigate through obscure menus.
One of the major advances in this area is the improvement of the call and video call linksAlthough this feature has been available for some time, it was quite hidden: you had to go to the Calls tab, start a new call and from there select the option to create a link, something that many users didn't even know existed.
In the latest betas discovered by WABetaInfo, it has been seen that WhatsApp is integrating the creation of call links directly within each chat, both individual and group.Now, alongside traditional icons such as sending photos, documents, or surveys, there is also a shortcut to generate a call link from within the conversation itself.
This means that if you want to organize a quick video call meeting with your work group or your family, You will no longer have to go to another tab in the applicationYou create the link from the chat itself, send it there, and any participant can join instantly, even if they join later or rejoin after having dropped out.
This philosophy of “direct access from the chat” makes it The transition between writing messages, suggesting a call, and jumping into a video call is much more natural.Furthermore, it brings WhatsApp closer to the typical experiences of services like Zoom or Google Meet, reinforcing its role as a valid tool also for more serious or professional meetings.
Improvements in call and video call quality
Along with the new interface and more accessible links, WhatsApp has worked extensively on the unseen aspects: bandwidth detection and routing technology that's behind each call. This is key to reducing dropouts, frozen images, and quality problems that caused so many headaches on unstable connections.
According to information published by the company itself, the data routing system has been optimized so that the calls find the best possible route among the participantsThis results in fewer dropped calls and fewer instances where the video freezes while the voice continues, or vice versa.
Furthermore, broadband detection has been refined, so that When your connection allows it, the video quickly jumps to HD qualityThis makes video calls clearer, which is especially noticeable if you share visual details such as documents, physical whiteboards, or elements that require high definition.
In the case of the iPhone, users have an interesting addition during video calls: the option to Zoom in on the image by spreading your fingers across the screenThis allows you to zoom in on both your own video and the other person's video to see specific details without the other person having to change the camera position.
All these changes aim to ensure that Make WhatsApp's call experience competitive against specialized solutions like Zoom, Meet or Teams, but without losing the simplicity that characterizes the messaging application.
New features in chats and groups: more control and organization
The revamped calling experience comes with a host of improvements to chats, especially group chats, which are central to many family, friend, and work conversations. WhatsApp wants to manage these massive conversations be more comfortable and less chaotic.
One of the most visible novelties is the online member indicator in groupsNow, right below the group name, you can see how many people are currently online, so you can get a sense of whether it's a good time to ask a question or suggest a quick call.
This feature makes it easier to know if "there's someone on the other end," fostering a More agile communication without having to ask each person individually.It is especially useful in work groups, classes, or event coordination where time is of the essence.
Another feature designed to bring order to the noise of the groups is the new adjustment of featured notificationsWithin each group's settings, you can choose to receive only notifications of @mentions, replies to your messages, and messages from saved contacts, or continue receiving all notifications as before.
This filter ensures that the most active groups don't become a constant barrage of notifications and, at the same time, Don't miss what's really meant for you.It's a way to gain control over the volume of information without having to completely mute the chat.
They have also been strengthened events within WhatsAppPreviously, they could only be created in groups, but now it's also possible to do so in individual conversations, which is very useful for coordinating plans with another person clearly and with visible reminders.
The events include options such as confirm attendance as “maybe”Add extra guests, include an end date and time for longer events, and pin the event within the chat so it doesn't get lost among messages. All of this makes organizing get-togethers, meetings, or important deadlines much easier without having to switch to other calendar apps.
In the field of rapid interaction, the so-called reactions that can be touchedInstead of having to choose a reaction from scratch, you can simply tap an existing reaction on a message to instantly reuse it, saving time and making responses more dynamic.
iPhone-specific tools: scanning and default app
iPhone users are also receiving improvements that, while not directly related to the transition between calls and video calls, round out the communication experience within the app. The idea is that you can centralize even more tasks in WhatsApp.
On the one hand, the function of Scan documents directly from the attachments trayInstead of using another scanner app, you can now select "Scan document", capture the pages, crop them and send them in a single workflow, which is very practical for sharing contracts, notes or receipts.
On the other hand, with the latest versions of iOS, WhatsApp can be set as the default app for messaging and callsThis means that tapping certain links or system actions will open WhatsApp instead of the native phone or messages app, making Meta's platform the hub of your communications on the iPhone.
To activate this option, you need to go to Settings > Default apps and select WhatsApp as the main app, which reinforces its role not only as a complementary tool, but as a cornerstone for talking to your contacts.
Effects, filters and backgrounds in video calls: more visual expressiveness
In the more creative aspect of video calls, WhatsApp has incorporated custom visual effects, filters, and backgrounds These are applied directly to the camera during calls. This feature aims to make being in front of the camera more comfortable and enjoyable, as well as allowing for a touch of personalization.
These tools are available in Android and iOS These features are integrated directly into the WhatsApp camera interface. From changing your background to retouching your face or improving visibility in low light, the video call experience gains visual quality without needing external apps.
On Android, to access these functions you need to Start a video call or open your camera and tap the effects icon. From there you can explore three main categories: Effects, Filters, and Backgrounds, selecting each option by tapping it or dragging it to the center of the screen.
If at any point you want to return to the original appearance, simply tap the option “none” or the reset buttonwhich removes all active effects at once. This way you can try different combinations without fear of "breaking" anything, knowing that in a second you can restore everything to its original state.
Android also incorporates features such as retouch modewhich softens facial features for a more polished look, and the low light modeDesigned to improve visibility in low-light conditions. These options remain active in future video calls until you manually disable them.
In terms of privacy, if you want to manage the permissions for these effects, you should go to Settings> Account> Privacy within WhatsApp and activate or deactivate the "Allow camera effects" option, to better control what type of processing is applied to your image in video calls.
Effects, filters, and backgrounds on iOS: quick access and more options
On iOS, the effects work very similarly, although there are some differences in how they are activated. To use these tools You need to open your camera or start a video call And once there, tap the effects icon or hold down your face until the corresponding menu appears.
By expanding that menu, the following are also offered: the categories of effects, filters and backgroundswhich you can try out as you go. You can remove any effect with the "none" option or by pressing "reset" to leave the image clean of additional adjustments.
Just like on Android, iOS also offers the following options: facial retouching and low light modeThese features work in real time to improve visual quality. If you often make video calls in home environments with varying lighting, these functions make a noticeable difference.
To regulate the permits related to these effects, one must enter into Settings> Account> Privacy Within the app, you can decide whether or not to allow camera effects. This gives you control over how your image is processed during video calls.
Updates on States and Channels: voice, video, and reach
WhatsApp hasn't forgotten about the section of Status and Channels, grouped under the “Updates” tabThis area, which operates separately from personal chats, aims to offer a more one-way communication space, designed for creators, media outlets, and public figures.
The following have been added to the channels: video notes up to 60 secondsSimilar to those already available in chats, administrators can instantly record and share short videos with their followers, creating a more personal and dynamic experience compared to simple text posts.
Another powerful feature is the transcription of voice messages on the channelsIf you can't listen to the audio, either because you're outside or in a noisy environment, you can see a written summary of the content, which is very useful so you don't miss any important updates.
In addition, channels can now be promoted through unique QR codesThese codes can be shared both online and in physical format. Anyone who scans the code gains direct access to the channel, facilitating audience growth without relying solely on links.
With these improvements, the Updates section becomes a More comprehensive space to disseminate information, news or content of interestcomplementing the traditional use of WhatsApp as a direct messaging app.
Meta AI, pace of new features and Beta program
All these changes come at a time when WhatsApp is stepping on the gas in terms of innovation and testing with new featuresIn Europe, for example, the company has begun to deploy AI goal, its AI-based chatbot, integrated within mobile apps.
Although this assistant cannot be completely disabled, it is possible Remove it from the conversations so it doesn't get in the way.This demonstrates that the company is trying to balance the introduction of new technologies with some degree of control for the user.
Many of the features discussed, such as the new calling interface on Android or the creation of links from chats, They are being tested first in the Beta program.This testing channel allows preliminary versions to be released to a group of users willing to try out new features before anyone else, in exchange for living with possible bugs or last-minute changes.
During this phase, WhatsApp typically adjusts design, behavior, and performance details based on the feedback received. Once the features are considered stable, They are gradually being extended to the rest of the users through updates on Google Play and the App Store.
Although in some cases new features arrive earlier on Android or iOS, the company's usual policy is a progressive integration in both operating systemspreventing important functions from being limited to a single platform in the long term.
All these updates form a puzzle in which WhatsApp reinforces its position as a central communication tool: Smarter call interfaces, seamless transitions between chat, voice, and video calls, improved quality, visual effects, notification control, integrated events, and more powerful channelsGradually, the app is becoming a space where you can chat, meet, organize, and share content without leaving the platform, with more control over your privacy and an experience much more adapted to daily life.
