WhatsApp has quietly pushed out a bunch of new features across Android and iOS that seem aimed at making conversations — especially in groups — a bit smoother. One of the more eye-catching changes is a real-time “Online” status indicator in group chats. This lets members see who’s active at that moment, possibly making it easier to jump into chats without the usual guesswork about who's around.
Also landing in group conversations is a tweak to message reactions. Now, users can simply tap to use the same reaction someone else already used — no more digging around for the right emoji in a fast-moving chat.
WhatsApp is slowly turning into more than just a messaging app. It’s been improving its event planning tools, and now, users can create events not just in groups but also in one-on-one chats. That could be handy for planning meetups or appointments without switching apps.
Event invites are getting more detailed too. There’s now a ‘Maybe’ RSVP option for when plans aren’t set in stone. Users can also add an end time to events, bring a plus one, and even pin events inside chats to keep them from getting buried in other messages.
Some updates are exclusive to iOS users. One is the ability to scan documents directly through WhatsApp and send them in chats — no extra app needed. Another is a handy upgrade to video calls: users can now pinch and zoom on video feeds, which might make it easier to focus during crowded calls.
Also, in one-on-one calls, iPhone users can now add others without needing to hang up and start a new call — just tap the call icon inside the chat.
WhatsApp’s Channels feature — which has been expanding steadily — is also seeing a few changes. Admins can now share QR codes to help others join their Channel.
Meanwhile, short 60-second video notes are now supported, and voice messages in Channels can be automatically transcribed — a small but useful change for those who prefer reading over listening.
To help cut down on the notification overload, a new alert setting has been added. Users can now choose to get notified only for highlights — things like mentions, replies, or messages from saved contacts.
The idea seems to be to make the app less overwhelming, especially in larger group chats or busy Channels
