WhatsApp drops game-changing features: Here's whats next
WhatsApp has announced a suite of new features aimed at improving how users connect via group calls, making them easier to schedule, more interactive, and technically more reliable.
Whether you're organising a family catch-up or a work meeting, WhatsApp now allows users to schedule calls directly from the app. By tapping the '+' button in the Calls tab and selecting 'Schedule call', users can set up a group call in advance and invite participants seamlessly,
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All scheduled calls appear in the Calls tab with a full attendee list and shareable call links. These links can be added to personal calendars or shared externally. To make sure no one misses a meeting, WhatsApp sends a notification to all invitees when the call is about to begin.
Interactive features: Raise hand and react
To improve group call etiquette, WhatsApp has introduced new tools to reduce interruptions. Users can now raise their hand to indicate they'd like to speak, a feature particularly useful during large calls or team meetings.
Additionally, users can send emoji reactions in real-time to engage without breaking the flow of conversation.
In a related upgrade, Call link creators will now receive a notification when someone joins via a link, offering better awareness and control during planned sessions.
Enhanced call experience
These updates follow earlier improvements rolled out in April 2025,
iPhone users can now also pinch to zoom during video calls for a closer view of themselves or others. Meanwhile, a new feature allows users to add someone to an ongoing 1:1 call directly from the chat thread by tapping the call icon and selecting 'Add to call'.
To top it off, WhatsApp has optimised video call quality, with a smarter routing system and faster bandwidth detection that upgrades streams to HD more quickly, reducing dropped calls and video freezes.
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