Highlights
- WhatsApp now supports animated photo sharing with sound, Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android.
- Meta AI powers custom chat themes and video call backgrounds, new sticker packs, smarter group search by contact, while Android users also get built-in document scanning and cropping.
- Gradual rollout of features across regions and devices expands WhatsApp’s utility.
Meta has officially confirmed that WhatsApp is rolling out several new features including support for Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android. These updates, which have been gradually appearing for some users, are now being highlighted in a feature roundup from the company.
The news features were revealed in an announcement post titled “Live and Motion Photos, Meta AI Chat Themes, Video Call Backgrounds, and More on WhatsApp,” posted on Meta’s newsroom.
Here’s all about the new features.
Live Photos and Motion Photos
WhatsApp now lets users share Live Photos (iOS) and Motion Photos (Android) that capture both movement and sound. When sent or received, these photos briefly animate, much like when browsing through the iOS photo album. A small Live Photo indicator appears in the top-left corner, and tapping it also plays the recorded audio.
The rollout for Live Photos support is still ongoing, as some iOS users report they can receive but not yet send them.
AI-powered Chat Themes
Users can now generate custom chat themes using Meta AI, offering more ways to personalise conversations. (Availability may vary.) WhatsApp explained, “Earlier this year we introduced chat themes as a way to customize your chats. You can now use the power of Meta AI to boost your creativity and make custom chat themes of your own. (Meta AI features may not be available to all users.)”
New Sticker Packs
WhatsApp has introduced fresh sticker packs such as Fearless Bird and Vacation, giving users more expressive ways to communicate. Users can download sticker packs and use the characters to visualise in a fun how they are feeling without having to say anything.
Easier Group Search
Group names can sometimes be hard to recall. Now, by searching for a contact in the Chats tab, users can quickly see all groups they share with that person. “Now, just search for someone you know that’s in the group in your Chats tab, and it will display the groups you have in common,” WhatsApp writes.
Android Document Scanning
WhatsApp on Android now supports built-in document scanning, cropping, and sharing. It is a feature previously limited to the iPhone only.
AI-powered Video Call Backgrounds
Meta AI can generate unique backgrounds for video calls, photos, and videos directly within chats, letting users customise their virtual surroundings. Users will also be able to add AI backgrounds while taking photos and videos directly in chats.
Availability
These features are being rolled out gradually, which means availability may vary across regions and devices.
FAQs
Q1. What are Live Photos and Motion Photos on WhatsApp?
Answer. WhatsApp now supports Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android, allowing users to share animated images with sound that briefly play in chat.
Q2. How does Meta AI enhance WhatsApp chats?
Answer. Meta AI enables users to create custom chat themes and video call backgrounds, adding a layer of personalisation to conversations and virtual interactions.
Q3. What new WhatsApp tools are available for Android users?
Answer. Android users now get a built-in document scanner, AI-generated video call backgrounds, and improved group search by contact in the Chats tab.