This week, WhatsApp introduced several significant updates: 2x status playback, guest calls on iOS, support for three accounts on iPhone, chat theme sync, new languages for voice message transcriptions, and new chat theme categories on Android.
Table of Contents
2x Status Playback
WhatsApp is rolling out double-speed video playback for status updates on iOS.
How it works
While viewing a status, the user holds their finger on the right side of the screen — the video starts playing at double speed. When they release, the speed returns to normal. The gesture works at any point during viewing and requires no setup. The feature is familiar to users of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where a similar gesture is used.
Why it’s needed
After the music clip duration in statuses was increased to 30 seconds, some updates became noticeably longer. Faster viewing allows users to scroll through statuses more quickly, saving time. It works with any video, not just those with music.
Status
The feature is available to some iOS beta testers. Gradual rollout.
Guest Calls on iOS
WhatsApp is extending the guest chat feature to calls, allowing users without an account to join calls via a link.
How it works
The host creates a call link in the Calls tab, selects the type (voice or video), and shares the link. A recipient without an account opens the link in a browser, selects “Continue as guest,” and waits for the host’s approval. Approval is mandatory for all guests without an account. The call is protected by end-to-end encryption: WhatsApp Web generates a unique session identifier to create the encryption key. It also works for group calls.
Why it’s needed
Allows quickly reaching people who don’t have WhatsApp without switching to other platforms. Useful for business meetings, consultations, and emergency situations.
Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.
Third Account on iPhone
WhatsApp is working on expanding multi-account support to three profiles on a single device.
How it works
An option to add a third phone number will appear in settings. Each account keeps its own chat history, notifications, privacy settings, and backups. Switching between accounts is done through the account list or the “Switch accounts” option. App Lock works independently for each profile.
Why it’s needed
Two accounts are not enough for everyone. Users with three numbers (personal, work, additional) will no longer have to choose which account to keep on the device or use a second phone.
Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.
Chat Theme Sync
WhatsApp is testing the ability to share a selected chat theme with the other person.
How it works
When choosing a theme for a chat, the user can specify whether to apply it only for themselves or sync it with the other person. When synced, the theme, wallpaper, and bubble color are applied on the other person’s side as well. It works in individual and group chats. Both preset themes and custom wallpapers from the gallery can be synced. A system message about the theme change appears in the chat.
Why it’s needed
Allows creating a unified visual space in a conversation, which is useful for family groups, work teams, or themed chats. Sync is protected by end-to-end encryption — WhatsApp cannot see which themes are shared.
Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.
New Languages for Voice Message Transcriptions
WhatsApp is expanding the list of languages available for converting voice messages to text.
How it works
New variants for English, German, French, Italian, and Japanese are added to the existing languages (Arabic, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian). The user downloads a language pack and can then transcribe voice messages in that language. Transcription is performed on the device, without sending audio to servers.
Why it’s needed
Voice messages are one of the most used features on WhatsApp. Expanding language support makes transcription available to more users worldwide, especially those who prefer reading over listening.
Status
The feature is available to some Android beta testers. Gradual rollout.
New Chat Theme Categories on Android
WhatsApp is bringing five chat theme categories to Android, previously introduced on iOS.
How it works
The theme picker now includes categories: “Featured” (best themes from other categories), “Nature” (landscapes — deserts, forests, mountains, coasts), “Live” (slowly animated wallpapers with a Live icon), “Minimal” (plain background), and “Doodle” (classic WhatsApp wallpapers). The wallpaper section also got categories, including Vibrant (bright colors) and Gradient (smooth transitions). The bubble color is automatically selected for each background, but users can change it manually.
Why it’s needed
Provides Android users with the same level of personalization as iOS. Simplifies finding the right theme through categories and automatic bubble color selection.
Status
The feature is available to some Android beta testers. Gradual rollout.
Conclusion
This week, WhatsApp focused on personalization and expanding accessibility: faster status viewing saves time, guest calls open the platform to new users, the third account and theme sync provide more flexibility, and new transcription languages and chat themes make the app more convenient for users around the world.
At GREEN-API, we monitor all WhatsApp updates to bring you the latest news and solutions for automating your business processes. Stay with us to be the first to know about all the latest developments!