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WhatsApp New Features of the Past Week (October 21, 2025 - October 27, 2025)#

October 27, 2025

New features in WA

Greetings to everyone following WhatsApp! Over the past week, WhatsApp has introduced several important updates that improve the user experience across all platforms. We're highlighting the most exciting new features.

Contents#

Choosing the Quality of Uploaded Media#

WhatsApp is introducing a feature that allows users to choose the quality of uploaded photos and videos.

How it will work#

A new option, "Automatic upload quality," has been added to the "Storage & Data" section. Users can choose between standard quality (compressed files) and HD quality (maximum resolution). When choosing standard quality, photos and videos are automatically compressed, significantly reducing their file size.

Why it's needed#

This feature gives complete control over mobile data usage and storage space. It's especially useful for users with limited data plans or those who frequently use slow networks.

Status#

Available in beta for iOS. The feature is expected to be available to all users in the coming weeks.

iPad Sidebar#

WhatsApp is working on a feature that will add a sidebar to the iPad user interface.

How it will work#

The new vertical sidebar replaces the traditional bottom navigation bar. It brings together all the main sections: Chats, Calls, Communities, and Settings, making navigation more intuitive.

Why it's needed#

Improves navigation on the iPad's large screen, making chat and community management more convenient and efficient. It also ensures a consistent app interface across platforms.

Status#

In active development, expected in a future update. The WhatsApp team is testing various implementation options for the optimal user experience.

Reacting to Statuses with Stickers#

WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow users to react to status updates with a reaction sticker.

How it will work#

When creating a status, you can add a reaction sticker with any emoji from the full set. Viewers can tap the sticker for an instant reaction, and the author receives a notification about the reaction.

Why it's needed#

Makes interaction with status updates more interactive and personalized. Allows you to express emotions more precisely than standard reactions.

Status#

In development for Android, expected in a future update. The feature is undergoing internal testing.

Controlling Element Animations#

WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to control animations for emoji, stickers, and GIFs.

How it will work#

A new "Animations" section has been added to the chat settings, allowing you to separately control the playback of animated emoji, stickers, and GIFs. You can disable autoplay completely or select specific content types.

Why it's needed#

Allows you to customize the interface for a more comfortable experience and reduce visual strain. This is especially important for users sensitive to screen movement.

Status#

Available in beta for iOS.

Status Update Notifications#

WhatsApp is introducing a feature that allows you to receive status update notifications from selected contacts.

How it works#

Users can enable notifications for specific contacts directly from their status view via the options menu. Once enabled, the app will send push notifications for new status updates.

Why it's important#

Helps you never miss important updates from close friends and family. Particularly useful for keeping track of business contacts or people who share important information via status updates.

Status#

Available in beta for Android.

Quizzes in Channels#

WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow channel administrators to create and share quizzes.

How it will work#

Channel administrators can access the new "Quiz" message type through the attachment menu. They can create quizzes with questions and a single correct answer. Participants immediately see the results of their choices.

Why it's needed#

Increases engagement in channels through an interactive format. Ideal for educational content, knowledge testing, or entertaining quizzes.

Status#

In active development for Android. Testing is expected in upcoming beta versions.

Reserving a Username#

WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow users to reserve their usernames ahead of the upcoming launch.

How it works#

Users will be able to reserve unique usernames in advance through a dedicated interface. The system checks the name's availability and compliance with the requirements (3-30 characters, Latin letters and numbers only).

Why it's needed#

Ensures fair access to desired usernames and prepares the infrastructure for the future release of the username system. Protects against cybersquatting and name speculation.

Status#

In active development for iOS and Android.

Conclusion#

The past week has shown WhatsApp actively working to improve the user experience across all platforms. From media control to interactive features in statuses and channels, each update is aimed at making communication more convenient and personalized. Particularly notable are the development of social features and work on fundamental changes to the user identification system.

At GREEN-API, we monitor all WhatsApp updates to provide you with the latest news and solutions for automating your business processes. Stay tuned to stay up-to-date with all the latest developments!