This week, WhatsApp delighted car owners with the official release of its app for CarPlay, and also continued to develop its business tools, improve call quality, and simplify chat navigation. Read on for the key updates.
Table of Contents
Business Chat Filter
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will help users filter business chats.
How it will work
A preset “Business” filter will appear in the chat list, automatically displaying only conversations with business accounts. No manual addition is required—all conversations with verified businesses are automatically added. The filter can be removed if no longer needed. A mass-mute feature for all business chats is also available.
Why it’s needed
This simplifies managing interactions with companies, especially for users who frequently communicate with different businesses. It allows you to separate work conversations from personal ones and quickly find the chat you need.
Status
This feature is in development for Android. A release is expected in a future update.
Built-in noise reduction for voice and video calls
WhatsApp is introducing noise reduction for voice and video calls.
How it will work
A “Noise Cancellation” toggle will appear in the call menu (usually enabled by default). This feature filters background noise (street traffic, wind, cafe noise) in real time, leaving the speaker’s voice clear and intelligible. It works for both incoming and outgoing calls. When enabled for one participant, it helps the other person hear them more clearly.
Why it’s needed
This improves the quality of conversations in noisy environments—on public transport, on the street, and in public places. It makes communication more natural and less tiring.
Status
This feature is available to some Android beta testers. It will be gradually available to users.
Displaying the number of subscribers to paid channels
WhatsApp is testing paid channels with premium subscriptions.
How it will work
In the information about a channel that offers a paid subscription, a separate counter will appear next to the total number of subscribers—the number of users who have subscribed to the paid subscription. This information is visible to everyone (both subscribers and regular readers). Subscribing to the channel itself remains optional.
Why it’s needed
This improves transparency for users: they can see how popular paid content is, which helps them decide whether to subscribe. For creators, it’s an additional incentive to develop the channel.
Status
Feature in development for Android. Released after the launch of the paid channel system.
Official release of WhatsApp for CarPlay
WhatsApp announced the official CarPlay app in the App Store.
How it will work
The WhatsApp for CarPlay app is now available in the App Store. The interface includes three tabs:
- Chat list — recent conversations; cannot be fully opened for security.
- Call history — incoming, outgoing, and missed calls.
- Favorite contacts — quick access to the most important people.
You can send messages and make calls without taking your eyes off the road. End-to-end encryption is preserved.
Why it’s needed
Previously, WhatsApp on CarPlay only worked via Siri (voice commands). Now, a full visual interface is available that doesn’t distract drivers with unnecessary details (full chat history is not available).
Status
The app is officially available for all iOS users in the App Store.
Adding members to a group by mentioning
WhatsApp is introducing a feature that will suggest new group members.
How it will work
When typing the @ symbol in the message field, people who aren’t in the group may appear in the list of suggested contacts (based on their frequency of communication and overall participation in other groups). When selecting such a contact, the user will be prompted to send an invitation or add them directly.
Why it’s needed
This simplifies and speeds up the process of adding new members, especially when you need to quickly include someone who isn’t yet in the group in a discussion.
Status
This feature is available to some Android beta testers. A release is not guaranteed; the feature is being evaluated.
Statuses at the top of the Chats tab
WhatsApp is testing the ability to update statuses in the Chats tab in beta.
How it will work
The top bar of the Chats tab (inside the navigation bar) will display avatars of up to three contacts who have recently posted statuses. Scrolling down the interface reveals a horizontal row above the chat list with all contact statuses (ranked by relevance). You can also quickly create a new status there. Statuses from hidden contacts are accessible via a separate option at the end of the row.
Why it’s needed
This allows you to view and post statuses without leaving the Chats tab. It’s convenient and fast, especially for active users.
Status
This feature is in development for iOS. Expected in a future update.
Conclusion
WhatsApp has made a major step toward integrating with CarPlay, improving call quality and business conversation management. They are also continuing to develop their paid channel ecosystem and unify the status interface across platforms.
At GREEN-API, we’re keeping an eye on the news and will keep you updated on any significant updates. We’re also constantly working to introduce new features to our service to make your experience even more convenient. Follow our blog!