The beginning of June marks the arrival of important news on WhatsApp that promise to revolutionize the way we interact with the world's most used messaging app. These innovations not only improve the organization of chats, but they also offer advanced editing and customization tools, as well as new layers of privacy and AI-powered features. Below, we take a comprehensive look at all the new features and changes that have already begun rolling out progressively to Android and iOS users.
New options for organizing and filtering chats
One of the main demands of WhatsApp users has been the ease of searching and managing important conversations, especially for those who participate in numerous chats and groups. WhatsApp recently introduced the 'All,' 'Unread,' and 'Groups' filters, but now it's adding one of the most requested features: the 'Read' tab. Favorite ChatsThanks to this new section, you can mark chats or groups that you consider priority or relevant as favorites, keeping them always visible at the top of your screen and quickly accessing them without wasting time searching through dozens of conversations.
The favorites system is added as an additional filter to the interface, and its integration is intuitive: just long-press on a conversation and assign it as a favorite. This feature is already available in beta and is in the process of being expanded to all devices.
Editing and customization advancements: eyedropper and more chat backgrounds
The scope of the visual customization and multimedia editing is another big beneficiary of WhatsApp's recent updates. The arrival of the tool is particularly noteworthy. dropper to select exact colors when editing images and statuses. This feature, common in professional design applications, allows you to choose a color directly from any part of a photo to use when drawing, writing, or adding custom details before sharing.
Along with this improvement, WhatsApp is expanding its already popular selection of monochrome backgrounds. You can now customize the background of all your conversations by choosing from new colors such as blue, gray, lilac, pink and greenThis provides greater visual diversity and allows each chat to have its own identity. This feature, which began in beta, is available for iOS users and will soon be available on Android.
Artificial intelligence: generation of images and profile photos
WhatsApp takes a step forward in the integration of Artificial Intelligence within the app. One of the main new features is the possibility of create AI-generated images from text descriptionsUsing the "Imagine" option, available in the document and photo upload window, you can type a phrase—such as "cat playing in a garden"—and immediately receive a photo created instantly by Meta's AI, tailored to your request. This feature encourages creativity, allows you to personalize messages and statuses, and gives your chats a unique touch.
Another variant of this function is the generation of profile photos using artificial intelligenceYou just need to describe the type of image you'd like as an avatar, and the system will suggest several options to choose from, the one that best suits your style or privacy needs. This makes it easy to avoid showing your real face or simply stand out with an original and unique image.
Privacy and security improvements: blocking screenshots of profile photos
Protecting user privacy is a key component of recent updates. WhatsApp now introduces the blocking screenshots for profile pictures, preventing others from taking screenshots of your image without your consent from the app. This measure adds a extra layer of security, avoiding possible impersonation or misuse of personal photographs.
Additionally, the advanced privacy tools These include managing who can see your profile picture, info, and latest statuses, along with controls over message forwarding and more precise management of broadcast lists and blocked contacts.
Interface redesign and usability adjustments
The application has experienced a visual redesign which stands out for its more minimalist and modern appearance. Among the most visible changes is the relocation of the call button, which moves from the top to the bottom of the screen to reduce accidental calls and improve ergonomics.
The position of other controls and the arrangement of key elements have also been refined, facilitating a faster access to chats, groups and statusesThe overall look is cleaner and, along with the new colors, makes navigation much more intuitive and personalized.
New possibilities in video calls and augmented reality effects
WhatsApp renews its system video calls incorporating advanced features. It is now possible to share the screen with audio, making it easy to share multimedia content with friends or colleagues. Plus, you can add up to 32 participants to a video call from any device, making WhatsApp a more comprehensive professional and social option compared to other platforms.
In addition to this, the introduction of featured speaker role: The person speaking is automatically highlighted on the screen, making it easier to identify and track the speaker in long group conversations.
Also in development are augmented reality effects and filters for video calls, allowing interaction through avatars and animated effects, something that is already in use in other apps in the Meta ecosystem.
Sending photos and videos in high quality by default
A historical limitation of WhatsApp was the loss of quality when sharing photos and videos. Now, there is the option to send HD multimedia automatically. Simply activate the option in the settings menu (WhatsApp > Settings > Storage & Data > File Upload Quality) and select HD quality. From that point on, all images and videos sent will maintain the highest resolution without manual intervention each time you send them.
Other notable improvements and new features
- Update and compatibility with new animated stickers in vector format, improving quality and fluidity with support for Lottie.
- Ability to publish states directly from the Desktop version, adding text, drawings or animations just like on mobile.
- New options for events and reminders in groups and communities, where you can create events and confirm attendance.
- Business-specific improvements: AI integration for WhatsApp Business, the ability to schedule personalized messages, activate smart assistants, and manage multiple employees under a single Meta Verified account.