WhatsApp's New Upgrades Could Completely Change How You Use Your iPhone
Since March 2025, iPhone users have been able to select WhatsApp as their messaging and phone app of choice instead of the native Apple offerings.
WhatsApp has long had one great advantage over Apple's built-in messaging app: it is platform agnostic, so all messaging bubbles are the same, whether they come from Android users or iPhones. These new calling features could add a unique benefit users will prefer.
With the WhatsApp update, you can now schedule calls, which is something Apple doesn't match, and use the new features to express yourself in group calls. Here's what's new.
WhatsApp New Group Call Features: Schedule Calls
'Whether you're coordinating a catch-up with the entire family or scheduling a meeting with colleagues, sometimes you need to plan ahead. Now you can schedule calls and invite people or groups to join in advance by pressing the + button in your Calls tab > 'Schedule call,' WhatsApp said in a blog post on Aug. 14.
It means the Calls tab will let you see and administer all your upcoming calls and will also show a list of attendees, plus call links which you can share with others or add to a calendar. All those participating get a notification when it's about to begin (which could be important if you're as forgetful as I am).
WhatsApp New Group Call Features: Group Calls
With the new update, you can raise your hand when you want to speak, which shows a level of restraint I've never been able to muster, or send a reaction.
These capabilities are for iPhone, iPad, Windows, Mac and iPad for group calls, but for iPhone and Android only on one-to-one calls.
The changes are rolling out globally, beginning today, so it could take a little while for it to reach your devices.
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