In May 2024, All New WhatsApp Features Will Be Added

Our favorite messaging software, WhatsApp, upgraded its user interface (UI) and added a number of useful features in May to improve the entire experience. We made the decision to compile every new WhatsApp feature released in May as frequent app users like you and I are often curious about what new features have been introduced to the app.

While some of the features are currently under development, they should be accessible in the next months. These features are covered below. For the sake of clarity, we have separated the features that are available to everyone now and those that are coming soon. That being stated, let's get started!

Features Added to WhatsApp in May 2024 (Stable)

1. Green Message Interface (iOS)

Unlike its green style on Android, Web, and other platforms, WhatsApp's iOS app used a blue theme for a considerable amount of time. Lastly, a significant UI upgrade was released for iOS, changing the color scheme from blue to green and .providing a more dependable user experience across all WhatsApp devices.

Old Blue interface WhatsApp iOS — Old Blue Interface

WhatsApp green new interface for iPhones — Old Blue Interface

New Green Modern InterfaceThe new green user interface differs from the previous blue one. The app's general aesthetics have been enhanced and contemporary icons have been included as part of this redesign. Although this was a much-needed update, some iOS users are not satisfied. Continue reading to learn about a future feature that will allow you to return to a blue theme.

2. Support for Passkeys on iOS

In addition to the facelift, WhatsApp now supports Passkeys for iOS users. This basically eliminates the need for users to provide a six-digit verification number when logging into WhatsApp during the setup process and instead lets them utilize the lock screen password or FaceID on their iPhone.To use this function, you must first set up by navigating to Settings > Account> Passkey. In addition to making the account setup process simpler, this will also increase security.

3. Extended Speech Status (iOS and Android)

For both Android and iOS users, the voice status update duration limit has been extended from 30 seconds to 1 minute. Instead of dividing them into two, this allows you more time to express yourself in a single status.

4. On connected devices, create or follow channels.

Using your main smartphone, WhatsApp allows you to add new channels or establish your own. However, while using the same WhatsApp account on a connected device, there was no method to do the same.The most recent version, which is now available for iOS and Android users, has fixed this. With this update, you can use a companion device and still manage your Channels . This allows you more control over your WhatsApp account on a connected device and eliminates the trouble of switching devices.Furthermore, it seems that connected devices will soon feature Locked Chats thanks to a recent Android beta upgrade.

5. Boost Attendance for Group Video Calls on Mac OS

This month, WhatsApp for macOS also got a big upgrade. A group video conference might only have up to 8 participants at this time. You may now add up to 32 people in a video conference from your laptop thanks to the most recent macOS update.This was a much-needed update since it eliminates the requirement for you to use your phone while hosting video conferences with lots of people. Additionally, all file types that were previously only accessible in a restricted number of formats now have media previews shown.

Future Features Added to the WhatsApp Beta Version

6. Chat Filter for Favorites

This new chat filter, as its name implies, will enable you to easily reach the people you communicate with often. Either from the Manage Favorites menu beneath this filter, or straight from the chat window itself, you may add contacts to your Favorites list.You may also put them in order according to the order you want the list to be prioritized. You can even add groups to your Favorites, which is the nicest part.

7. Storage Manager Will Soon Have Chat Filters

We all use WhatsApp to transfer media files, which can fill up a significant amount of your storage (our family groups are notorious for sending endless amounts of good morning photos). However, it might be difficult to identify which discussion, group, or channel is using up the most storage space when it comes time to make some room.

WhatsApp chat filters in Manage Storage section — Photograph by WABetaInfo

WhatsApp is testing chat filters that resemble the ones on the main chat screen in an effort to make things simpler. You'll be able to filter the storage according to common one-on-one or group conversations as well as channels. This will make it simple for you to identify a group or channel that gets a lot of media attention. This will be available in the app's iOS and Android versions, much as other new features.

8. New Call Bar with Voice

Users of iOS and Android who decrease ongoing WhatsApp voice conversations will soon see a new voice call bar at the top. With the shortcuts provided by this call bar, you may mute or stop a call without returning to the call screen. This makes the app much more accessible during voice calls.

The program now displays a green bar devoid of shortcuts. To access call controls and see the main call screen, you must touch on it.

9. iOS Screenshot Blocking for Profile Photos

Android users may no longer save other people's WhatsApp profile photographs, and last month, WhatsApp even removed the option to screenshot profile photos. It seems like iOS will soon do the same. On your iPhone, WhatsApp will display the warning "Screen capture blocked" if you attempt to take a screenshot of a profile picture.

Screen Capture Blocked iOS — Photograph by WABetaInfo

This will be a significant step in protecting user privacy and deterring others from stealing screenshots of other people's accounts and using them for nefarious reasons.

10. Android/Account Restriction

With the introduction of a new account restriction tool, WhatsApp hopes to penalize users who participate in harmful behaviors on the network. Although it won't be in effect forever, users won't be able to start new chats for a while.

limited accounts reportedly still have the ability to communicate those they were corresponding with before to the account being limited. This feature will use an automated method to identify actions that resemble spam, such sending large volumes of messages or going outside the terms of service.

11. Android Animated Images that Autoplay

With WhatsApp's plans to make it simpler for users to locate new sticker packs, we may see an increase in their usage over time. It's possible that some people won't find moving graphics in conversations appealing, however. To address this, the app is testing the ability to disable animated image autoplay.

Thanks to WABetaInfo for the image

This setting implies that the app will soon support animated emojis. It would be fascinating to see whether animated graphics become more common on WhatsApp. GIFs are unaffected by this functionality.

12. iOS Chat Themes for WhatsApp

With the exception of the dark mode, WhatsApp has maintained its recognizable green style throughout the years. However, a new iOS beta seems to show that the platform is testing theme support.It seems from the screenshots that are attached that WhatsApp may be introducing five distinct color themes , which would change the chat bubbles and backdrop.Selection of a The WhatsApp theme will only be visible to you and will not be changed by anyone else. Years have passed since this feature was last requested, so I'm happy the developers are now addressing it. Although the function is still being developed, it should soon be made available to all users.

13. Android AI Profile Images

More users of WhatsApp are already benefiting from Meta AI, and Meta is actively searching for new methods to incorporate AI into the service. We may soon be able to create AI-generated profile photographs on WhatsApp, according to a recent Android beta.

Thanks to WABetaInfo for the image

With the help of Meta AI, users will be able to produce an image to use as their profile photo by just entering a word prompt . Without needing to visit the web, users may now generate and arrange photographs based on their mood or preferred method of self-expression.

14. AI-generated images in the attachments

Adding a shortcut to the attachments menu allows users to make photos is another way WhatsApp is using AI.. This new, planned function introduces picture generation to the chat window; before, it was limited to Meta AI talks. Meta AI Image Shortcut

Thanks to WABetaInfo for the image

To make the desired picture, just input the prompt and share it immediately inside the conversation. Many platform users would want to give this intriguing feature a try for themselves. This feature may be many people's first experience communicating with an AI.

15. Toggle the Clear Unread Message Count.

You are going to like this new function if you own a company or often get inundated with spam communications from companies. Under Notification settings, WhatsApp is scheduled to provide a clear toggle for unread messages.When you open the app, this will remove all of your previously unseen messages. You no longer need to care about the older messages in order to see the more recent ones. Clear Unread Notifications

Photo courtesy of WABetaInfo

16. Channel Analytics (Android)WhatsApp is developing an analytics tool that will provide users with comprehensive audience insights . They will be better able to comprehend how members interact with their material and how well it performs as a result.

Additionally, owners may find out more about follower changes, total growth over the last 30 days, and the number of new people their channels have reached by visiting the analytics page.

17. Assign Ownership of WhatsApp Community

The news that there will soon be a WhatsApp option to transfer community ownership will make community owners delighted. Community owners will find it simple to transfer their ownership to another member thanks to this tool. The former owner will continue to serve as the community admin, but other administrators have the option to demote or remove him.

In case you weren't aware, organizations and communities allow you to host events. According to a beta update, the events will soon get a new reminders option. Members of the group will be able to do this to establish reminders to notify other users about the event prior to its commencement.

18. New Mentions, Status UI, & More on WhatsApp

WhatsApp's status updates will now have a new preview design that mimics the layout of Facebook stories. Additionally, you will be able to mention someone in secret in your status with just that person knowing about it. Additionally, before submitting the status, the app will include a audience selection screen so you can confirm with the people you are sharing it with.

Thanks to WABetaInfo for the image

Minor enhancements such as an improved color picker for the drawing editor will also be seen. You may choose colors directly from the linked picture using this. Also, there is a emoji response option to instantly respond with an emoji to other people's status updates. This is comparable to like stories on Facebook and Instagram. These features will soon be available; they are currently under beta testing.This is a summary of every feature and update that WhatsApp got in May. I find the new features intriguing, and I'm looking forward to the app's AI capabilities and more theme possibilities.In order to provide a more seamless experience regardless of the ecosystem you are a part of, WhatsApp is also refining its UI across various app versions. Please let us know in the comments section below whether you liked this list; if not, we'll make another one the following month.