WhatsApp New Features Added in July 2024: A Useful Guide!

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in India, with millions of users relying on it daily for communication. As technology advances, WhatsApp continues to improve its platform by adding new features that enhance user experience. Several exciting new features were added to WhatsApp, in July 2024 making the app even more powerful and user-friendly.

In this article, we will explore these new WhatsApp features added in July 2024. We will cover the stable features already available to users and look at some upcoming features currently in beta testing.

also read: 5 New Biggest WhatsApp Features You may Missed in 2023

1. Stable WhatsApp Features Added in July 2024

WhatsApp released several stable features in July 2024 that are now available to all users. These features have been rolled out to improve the overall functionality of the app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.

Forward Messages and Media to Channels (iOS): One of the new features introduced in July 2024 is the ability to forward images, videos, and GIFs to channels on WhatsApp.

Previously, users had to save media files to their device before sharing them with a channel. With this update, iOS users can now directly forward media from one channel to another, saving time and making the process much more convenient.

Redesigned Calling Interface (iOS): WhatsApp has also updated its calling interface for iOS users. The new interface features a more compact and modern design, with larger buttons and a sleeker layout.

This redesign not only improves the appearance of the calling interface but also makes it easier for users to navigate and manage their calls. If you are still using the old interface, updating your app should give you access to the new design.

Favorites Tab for Chats and Calls (Android and iOS): Another significant update in July 2024 is the introduction of the Favorites tab for both Android and iOS users. This feature allows users to add their most frequently contacted friends, family, and groups to a Favorites list, making it easier to access important chats and calls.

This tab can be customized to include your most important contacts, ensuring that you can quickly find and communicate with them without having to scroll through your entire contact list.

Create Events in Group Chats (iOS): WhatsApp has also expanded its event creation feature to group chats. Previously, the ability to create events was limited to communities, but now iOS users can create and manage events directly within their group chats.

This feature is particularly useful for organizing group activities, such as planning a trip or scheduling a meeting. Users can set the date, time, and location of the event and share it with all members of the group chat.

2. Upcoming WhatsApp Features in July 2024 (Beta)

In addition to the stable updates, WhatsApp is also working on several new features that are currently in beta testing. These features are expected to be rolled out to all users in the near future, offering even more ways to enhance your WhatsApp experience.

Create AI-Generated Images (Android): One of the most innovative features currently in development is the ability to create AI-generated images. This feature allows users to generate images of themselves in different scenarios by taking a few setup photos and providing the AI with a prompt.

The AI will then process the information and create a unique image based on the user’s request. While this feature is still in beta, it has the potential to become a fun and creative way for users to personalize their WhatsApp experience.

Dedicated Video Note Mode for Camera (Android and iOS): WhatsApp is also introducing a dedicated video note mode in the camera viewfinder.

This new mode will make it easier for users to record and send video notes by adding a specific section for video notes in the camera interface. Instead of long-pressing the camera icon, users can now switch to the video notes mode and start recording immediately.

This feature is currently in beta and is expected to be available to all users soon.

Blue Verification Checkmark (Android): Another visual change coming to WhatsApp is the introduction of a blue verification checkmark for businesses. Currently, verified businesses on WhatsApp have a green checkmark next to their name.

However, WhatsApp is changing this to a blue checkmark to maintain consistency with other Meta apps like Facebook and Instagram. This change will make it easier for users to identify verified businesses across different platforms.

Share Photos and Voice Notes with Meta AI (Android): WhatsApp is also testing a feature that will allow users to share photos and voice notes with Meta AI.

This feature will enable users to send images or voice notes to the AI and receive relevant answers or suggestions. For example, users could share a photo of an object and ask the AI to identify it or provide information about it.

Similarly, users could send a voice note with a command, and the AI would respond with the appropriate action. This feature is still in beta but has the potential to become a powerful tool for interacting with Meta AI on WhatsApp.

Zoom Level Indicator for Camera (Android): WhatsApp is introducing a new zoom level indicator in the camera viewfinder. This feature will display the current zoom level on the screen, making it easier for users to adjust the zoom and capture the perfect shot.

The zoom level indicator will appear next to the shutter button, allowing users to tap on it to zoom out and reset the viewfinder. This feature is currently in beta and is expected to be rolled out to all users soon.

Live Translate for Messages (Android): WhatsApp is working on a live translation feature that will allow users to communicate with others who speak different languages. This feature will use Google’s live translation services to translate messages in real-time, ensuring that users can understand and respond to messages in different languages.

Initially, the feature will support Hindi and English, with more languages expected to be added in the future. This feature is currently in beta and is expected to be available to all users soon.

3. Additional Features Coming to WhatsApp

In addition to the main features mentioned above, WhatsApp is also working on several other updates that users can look forward to in the coming months.

AI Studio Custom Chatbots (Android and iOS): WhatsApp is experimenting with an AI studio feature that will allow users to create custom chatbots with unique personalities. This feature will enable users to interact with multiple chatbots, each with its own distinct traits.

Users will be able to choose from a selection of pre-created chatbots or create their own, providing a more personalized and interactive experience.

New Security Checkup Feature (Android): WhatsApp is introducing a new security checkup feature that will help users enhance the security of their accounts. This feature will provide suggestions for setting up a passkey, adding an email for OTP login, and enabling two-factor authentication.

The security checkup feature is designed to ensure that users’ accounts are as secure as possible, protecting them from unauthorized access.

Animated Emojis (Android): WhatsApp is also working on adding animated emojis to enhance communication. These animated emojis will add a fun element to conversations, making it easier to express emotions through the app. The animated emojis are currently in beta and are expected to be available to all users soon.

Share Files with People Nearby (iOS): WhatsApp is testing a wireless file-sharing system similar to AirDrop, which will allow users to share files with people nearby. This feature will make it easier to transfer high-quality files between devices, providing a convenient and efficient way to share content with others.

Choose Usernames on WhatsApp: WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that allows users to create unique usernames. This will make it easier for users to identify themselves on the app and connect with others. The username feature is currently in beta and is expected to be available to all users soon.

Gradient Backgrounds for Status Updates (Android): To improve the appearance of status updates, WhatsApp will soon introduce gradient backgrounds. This feature will match the background color with the shared content, ensuring that it doesn’t look out of place. The gradient backgrounds feature is currently in beta and is expected to be available to all users soon.

AR Effects and Filters for Video Calls (Android): WhatsApp is testing AR effects and filters for video calls, similar to those available on Google Meet. This feature will allow users to customize their video calls with different backgrounds, filters, and effects. The AR effects and filters feature is currently in beta and is expected to be rolled out to all users soon.

Double Tap to React (Android): WhatsApp is also working on a double-tap feature that will allow users to quickly react to messages with a heart emoji. This feature is similar to the one recently introduced in Google Messages and is expected to be available to all users soon.

Wind Up

The new WhatsApp features added in July 2024 offer exciting enhancements for both Android and iOS users. These updates focus on improving usability, security, and communication, making WhatsApp an even more powerful messaging app.

From AI-generated images to live translation and customizable chatbots, WhatsApp continues to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of its users. As these features roll out, users in India and around the world will enjoy a more personalized and secure messaging experience.