WhatsApp adds 8 new features: from voicemail to a PIN to protect chats.

WhatsApp is the most widely used instant messaging app among users in Spain . Its popularity stems from the ability to make video calls, send messages, send high-quality photos , create custom stickers , ask questions to the artificial intelligence in the blue circle of Meta AI , and, of course, the numerous new features it introduces to its services to improve the user experience.

In line with this, the app has begun testing a new feature called 'Writing Help,' which uses AI to improve messages before sending them, and 'Safety Summary,' to protect users from strangers when they're added to a WhatsApp group. However, among other improvements, Meta's platform is preparing to launch new features that will arrive in the coming weeks for iOS and Android users .

1) WhatsApp could finally launch usernames

The app could incorporate a feature that allows people to choose a username password so that individuals can contact them without having to share their phone number , just like Telegram does.

This development doesn't come as a surprise to users, as the app began working on usernames in 2023. However, we want to remind you that, when this feature becomes official, those interested will have the opportunity to add another layer of privacy to their accounts so they don't rely solely on phone numbers . They will therefore be able to choose a unique and memorable username.

On the other hand, while setting a username is optional , once established, new contacts will need to know it to start conversations. This way, the phone number associated with the account will remain hidden from users who don't have it previously saved on their device.

As we mentioned, although this feature was first announced two years ago, WABetaInfo notes that this new feature is still in development and will be available in an upcoming update.

2) WhatsApp will include a voicemail in chats

Another feature coming to WhatsApp is an answering machine that will allow you to leave a voice message when the other person doesn't pick up a call .

Therefore, if a user tries to call a contact through the app and they don't answer, WhatsApp will allow them to leave a voice message, or they can wait until the other person is available again. Additionally, the message is delivered directly to the conversation , along with the missed call notification, so the recipient can listen to it when they're available.

WABetaInfo reports that the feature is already available to some testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta updates for Android from the Play Store, but it will be rolled out to more people in the coming weeks .

3- Is interoperability finally coming to WhatsApp?

The app is also working on 'guest chats,' with the goal of providing an easy way for users to connect with those who don't have an account on the Meta app.

WhatsApp began working last year on a feature that allows users to manage conversations from third-party apps on Android . This feature allows users to enable and disable app interoperability, as well as decide which third-party platforms can communicate with each other —such as Telegram or Messenger, for example. Therefore, in order to revive this functionality, WhatsApp is currently developing a tool for users to contact those who don't have an account on the instant messaging platform .

According to WABetaInfo , the new feature will be called 'guest chats' and will work within the WhatsApp ecosystem. To access this feature, users will have to invite someone from their contacts who doesn't have the app installed. The recipient will then receive a link to allow them access to a chat with the user who invited them . This link can then be shared via SMS, email, or other social media.

However, this option comes with some limitations , as it will work on an individual basis and you won't be able to share multimedia files such as photos, videos, and GIFs. Voice and video messages, along with calls—both voice and video—will also be disabled.

4) Link your Instagram profile to your WhatsApp account

WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to add verified links to Instagram profiles . Using the Account Center, users can link their Instagram accounts to the app to display the social network's icon and username directly in their profile link. This icon also indicates that the profile is officially connected to the account owner and is not a random or fake URL.

Users who choose to link their Instagram accounts through the Account Center can offer a layer of trust that wasn't previously available. It's also important to mention that adding links is optional , so those who prefer not to verify their profiles can continue to do so as they have.

WABetaInfo notes that this feature is currently available to some beta testers, but will be rolled out to more people in the coming weeks .

5) You can now schedule calls on WhatsApp

WhatsApp wants to make it easier to schedule group calls and make them more interactive, so now the app allows you to schedule calls .

To do this, users need to click on the 'Calls' tab, press the '+' button, and tap 'Schedule Call' . You can also view and manage all scheduled calls in the 'Calls' tab, along with a list of participants and links to add them to your personal calendar or share them with others. Additionally, all participants will receive a notification when a call is about to begin.

On the other hand, the app integrates new ways to express yourself during group calls. Now, you can raise your hand if you want to speak, or send a reaction to participate without interrupting.

6) Conversations will have a PIN

WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to set a username password, so when usernames become official, the app will introduce this security barrier to prevent unwanted messages .

This key is a secret code , it is designed to be shared with the people you want to contact, it is ideal if users want to limit conversations to trusted accounts and will be available in an upcoming update .

7) Meta AI is integrated into message options

As for artificial intelligence, WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that adds a Meta AI shortcut to message options . This option allows users to quickly open a Meta AI chat linked to a specific message. This new feature is especially useful when you want to ask the chatbot for more details about the content you've received.

For example, if someone receives a forwarded message, they can now immediately ask Meta AI if the information is reliable . Similarly, if users receive a question or a suspicious statement, the 'Ask Meta AI' feature allows them to quickly verify its veracity.

Regarding its availability, this option is available for some users of the Android beta version , although it could arrive in the coming weeks for the rest of people, according to WABetaInfo .

8) Sync your WhatsApp profile picture with Facebook and Instagram

Finally, the app is introducing a feature that allows users to share the same profile picture on Facebook or Instagram . This new option integrates with the existing profile picture change options in the app , allowing users to sync the same profile picture across all Meta apps.

It's worth noting that this feature is optional and disabled by default , so users have full control over whether they want to link their WhatsApp account to Meta's Account Center to enable this integration.

The feature is available to some beta testers who install the latest version of WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app, according to WABetaInfo .

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