In order to provide users with a consistently engaging experience, WhatsApp is continuously trying to enhance its feature set. We are here to tell you everything there is to know about the latest features that are just waiting to be discovered, just like every month. Now let’s examine every function that WhatsApp added in September 2024.

September 2024 saw the addition of new WhatsApp features (Stable)

1. Construct AI Images from iPhone and Android Attachments

We mentioned in our May features list that WhatsApp was enabling you to utilize Meta AI’s picture generating tool through attachments, hence increasing accessibility. In this manner, you can rapidly produce an image produced by AI and send it to someone without ever leaving the chat window. Back then, the feature was in beta, but it is now publicly accessible.

2. Respond via the Media Viewer Screen on your ( iPhone or Android device).

Additionally, WhatsApp has made it simpler to reply to media files without requiring the user to leave the preview interface. You can now react and respond to a picture by tapping on it to view it in full screen mode. These options are located in every corner of the image. It is now easier to reply to chats that include media files.

3. Similar to the iPhone and Android Reaction for Status Updates

The Like button can now be used to respond to updates on WhatsApp status. This was in beta when we talked about it in our August features list. The feature is now accessible to all users. When you see someone’s status, you’ll notice a new heart icon next to the text box. Tapping on it indicates that you enjoy what you saw.

 

4. Previews of New Status Updates for Android

WhatsApp is using a lot of Facebook and Instagram’s design cues. Redesigned status updates that resemble Facebook stories are one example of this. Instagram is experimenting with this arrangement as well. It is now being rolled out for a few stable users.

However, since not everyone has received this redesign, it appears that this is a server-side modification.

5. Android Voice Chat with Meta AI

WhatsApp is facilitating communication with its in-app Meta AI. Before, the only way to transmit your suggestions was by typing them out. However, the Meta-owned company has now introduced a voice option. In the event that your hands are full, you can record your questions and instructions and send them to the AI chatbot.

I tested it, and it occasionally misunderstands your instructions if you’re not explicit while giving them. My strong Indian accent also doesn’t help. Nevertheless, it ought to become better with time.

New Features Coming to WhatsApp in September 2024 (Beta)

6. Examine the Viewer’s Android status updates.

Let’s move on to the beta adjustments. First, you can now quickly see your viewers’ status updates from the viewers list thanks to a recent upgrade. In this manner, by examining the green circle surrounding their profile, you can discover which of your viewers have shared their updates in addition to knowing who has viewed your status. By tapping on it, you may access their status.

7. Control Android Contact Syncing

You will soon be able to select whether or not to sync and backup your contacts on WhatsApp. This will make it easier to maintain contacts if you use the app on several devices or move phones. If you choose to delete contacts, WhatsApp will only display the contacts that are saved on the other devices when you switch between them. Deleting contacts will also end their backup.

8.Check Draft Messages on Your iPhone

For people who are forgetful like me, this is a helpful tool. Similar to Instagram, WhatsApp is introducing a saved drafts feature. This will make it easy to recognize them directly from the main homepage without having to start a separate conversation by displaying your unsent message as Draft. Similar to other features on this list, this one is still in its early phases, but I do expect to see it reach a stable state soon.

 

9. In Android group chats on WhatsApp, create call links.

Is there anything more annoying than having your phone ringing during a group voice conversation that you can’t hear? WhatsApp is developing a call link solution to address this, though. Participants will be able to generate and share call links within group chats thanks to this feature. Those who are interested can join the call without disturbing others by tapping the link.

The group call link can be copied as well, but it’s unclear if sharing it with non-members will allow them to join the session. But when the functionality comes out of beta, we’ll find out.

10. New Meta AI Updates for iPhone and Android

Additionally, Meta AI will be undergoing some major, new adjustments this month. Particularly when Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the new Llama 3.2 model—which allows multi-modality—at the Meta Connect 2024 event. This allows you to communicate with Meta AI in more ways than just text.

Soon, you’ll be able to send photos to the AI chatbot and modify various features by prompting it. This will integrate with features that we discussed in our July WhatsApp feature list, such as “Create Your AI-Generated Image” and photo sharing.

Meta Voice, which functions as your AI assistant akin to Microsoft Copilot or Google’s Gemini, will soon be available on WhatsApp. You can alter the voice model to mimic the tones of your preferred A-list stars. Mark Zuckerburg used the voice of well-known actor Awkwafina to demonstrate Meta Voice in real time.

Additionally, WhatsApp Business will have Meta AI. Using its AI expertise to assist business owners in learning how to enhance their operations or make better use of technology for things like organizing or generating statistics.

11. The status of media uploads for live activities on iPhone

This is just one more little yet useful update for WhatsApp for iOS. iPhone customers with a dynamic island will soon get to experience a new live activity, reflecting the media upload status. In this manner, sharing a big file can be done without requiring you to continually check WhatsApp. From the live action at the top, you can quickly check the upload status.

12. Make an Android Custom Contact List

We recently discussed the app’s new “Favorites” feature, which enables you to swiftly browse through your most preferred contacts. WhatsApp is currently developing the feature to build personalized filters. This will enable you to make personalized lists, for example, for your in-laws or coworkers at work. From their profile or group info page, you can add an individual or group to this custom list.

13. Community Ownership Transfer (Android)

We also saw an enhanced version of the community ownership transfer page this month. This characteristic, which we first observed in May, is now more clearly visible. If community owners decide they no longer want to be in that role, they will be able to transfer their ownership to another member.

14. During status updates, mention contacts

We have been discussing the arrival of the mentions feature on WhatsApp for months now. We were eventually able to obtain it this month. The main idea is that only the person you secretly mention in your status will be aware that you have done so.

You can currently mention up to five different people in a status update at once. Those you mentioned can reshare your status with others, but they won’t be aware of it. It appears to be nearly finished, and perhaps everyone can use it within the next month or two.

15. Reshare Android Status Updates on WhatsApp

As previously indicated, the ability to reshare a status update as one’s own exists for those who are mentioned privately in it. However, the prior reshare button was merely an icon, making it challenging to determine its precise function. The app is now testing a redesigned button that has more prominence, is labeled, and indicates what it accomplishes.

16. A New Chat Theme by Default

Similar to status updates, chat themes have also been planned for some time. However, it appears closer to completion and more developed now. Here, we’ve covered it in great detail. However, these are the salient features: Twelve distinct color presets with a range of wallpaper backgrounds are available. The color of the chat bubble changes to blend in with the background’s hue. Moreover, you can adjust the strength of both light and dark themes.

17. Disable Emails from Unknown Senders

WhatsApp is testing a new privacy setting to stop spam texts from unknown numbers. A new toggle prevents unknown numbers from calling you if they start sending a lot of messages quickly and engaging in spam. We talked about this last month, but it appears to be nearing completion today. Keep in mind that unknown numbers are only blocked when they send more messages than allowed.

18. Android Home Screen Badge Settings

Additionally, WhatsApp is updating the way that the number of notifications appears on the app icon on the home screen of your phone. If you haven’t responded to any unread messages or missed calls, the badge counter on your home screen usually resets to zero when you launch the app. Hence, rather than merely eliminating the badge counter, a new option is added that modifies it. This will assist you in keeping track of all the communications that require your response.

19. On Android, mark all chats as read.

The option to “mark all chats as read” has been a frequently sought feature among WhatsApp users. Fortunately, WhatsApp is addressing this issue, as evidenced by a recent beta release. To put it briefly, tapping on it will quickly mark all of your chats as read.

Though it’s amazing that WhatsApp waited this long to add it, I’m happy that it’s already in development and will soon be released from beta.

20. Camera Effects and Filters (Android)

We previously discussed the video call effects and filters that WhatsApp offers its users. It appears like WhatsApp is now adding images to its list of features. The screenshot below shows you what to expect when you click a photo on the app—AR filters and background effects.

Although we were unable to test the functionality, it encourages users to take images with WhatsApp’s built-in camera and share them rather than using Snapchat or Instagram.

21. Use the Web to Look Up Links

When you get a message with a link that has been forwarded several times, WhatsApp notifies you. That prompt, though, was brief and easily missed. For this reason, an updated prompt is being introduced by the app. It is larger and more noticeable, requesting that the user click the link for additional information or perform a Google search on the message’s content. This will assist them in confirming the legitimacy of a link and preventing false information from spreading throughout the app.

22. Make Polls in Updates with Status

WhatsApp is looking into adding a polling function to its status updates. Before sharing your status, you can add more selections by applying a poll sticker. After then, others can cast their votes on your status poll, but they won’t be able to know who else selected which choice.

These, then, are the most recent changes we have for you this month. Return next month to experience an enhanced feature set on our preferred messaging app.