Greetings to everyone who follows WhatsApp news! Over the past week, the messenger’s developers have introduced several significant new features, including a historic change—the ability to communicate with users of other messengers.
Contents
- Calls by Username
- Apple Watch App
- Chat Threads on Mac
- Strict Security Mode
- Cross-Platform Chats
- Conclusion
Calls by Username
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow users to search for and call other users by name.
How it will work
WhatsApp is developing a feature that will allow users to make voice and video calls using only usernames (nicknames), without needing to know the other person’s phone number. Contact search will be available directly in the “Calls” section. To protect against spam, users will be able to set a secret key that they will need to share with new contacts for their first call. All these calls, like regular calls, are protected by end-to-end encryption.
Why it’s needed
This feature enhances privacy by eliminating the need to share a phone number for WhatsApp communications. This is especially convenient for connecting with colleagues, new acquaintances, or managing business accounts.
Status
This feature is in active development for iOS and Android. It is expected to be available in a future update.
Apple Watch App
WhatsApp is launching a new app for Apple Watch, allowing users to read and reply to messages directly from their wrist.
How it will work
A native WhatsApp app for Apple Watch is now available. It works as a companion to your iPhone, allowing you to read and reply to messages, view your chat list, and send voice messages directly from your watch. A connected iPhone is required for operation.
Why it’s needed
It helps you stay connected and quickly reply to messages even when your phone is not nearby. This makes WhatsApp even more convenient for Apple Watch owners.
Status
The app is now available for testing in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for iOS.
Chat Threads on Mac
The latest WhatsApp for Mac updates introduce the ability to customize chat themes, allowing users to personalize their conversations with preset themes and colors.
How it will work
WhatsApp for Mac is gaining the ability to customize chat themes. Users can choose from 22 preset harmonious themes or customize the look by selecting one of 38 colors for message bubbles and backgrounds.
Why it’s needed
This feature is designed to personalize the messenger’s appearance on a large screen and make communication more visually appealing.
Status
This feature has begun rolling out to some users in the stable version of the macOS app.
Strict Security Mode
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow users to apply strict security settings to their accounts.
How it will work
A new “Strict Account Security” mode is being developed. This is a single switch that activates a set of highly secure settings for users who may be targeted by cyberattacks (for example, journalists and activists). This mode automatically enables two-factor authentication, blocks media from unknown senders, hides IP addresses in calls, and much more.
Why it’s needed
This is to simplify and speed up the process of setting up maximum security for at-risk users without requiring in-depth technical knowledge.
Status
The feature is in early development for Android and iOS; a release date has not yet been announced.
Cross-Platform Chats
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to chat with third-party users in accordance with European regulations.
How it will work
As part of its compliance with the European Digital Markets Act, WhatsApp has begun rolling out interoperability—the ability to exchange messages with users of other messaging apps. This feature is manually activated in Settings (Account -> Chats from Third-Party Apps). Currently, only text, image, voice, and file sharing with the BirdyChat app are supported. Advanced WhatsApp features, such as stickers or status updates, are not supported.
Why it’s needed
This feature allows users in Europe to communicate with contacts from other messaging apps without installing them. This makes communication more open and convenient.
Status
The feature is gradually becoming available to beta testers in the European region on both Android and iOS. Group chats with interoperability support are in development.
Conclusion
This past week will be remembered for two truly significant changes: the beginning of the “opening” of the WhatsApp ecosystem to other messaging apps and enhanced security for the most vulnerable users. At the same time, the team continues to improve the everyday experience by releasing long-awaited Apple Watch apps and new personalization tools.
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!