Highlights
- WhatsApp introduces a voicemail-style feature letting users send instant voice or video notes when calls go unanswered.
- Meta AI upgrades image generation with Flux and Midjourney models, plus a new AI-driven image animation feature.
- Users gain interactive stickers, music lyrics, and question prompts in Status, while Channels now support real-time Q&A.
WhatsApp has unveiled a major set of new features just in time for the holiday season. The Meta-owned messaging platform is introducing tools that enhance communication, boost creativity through AI and improve overall usability across calls, chats and media sharing. The highlight of the update is a voicemail-style feature called Missed Call Messages, which replaces traditional voicemail with a more seamless experience.
Missed Call Messages
The new Missed Call Messages feature lets users instantly send a voice or video note when someone doesn’t pick up their call. Depending on the call type, the user can simply record a quick message and share it with a single tap. In WhatsApp’s words, “This new approach will make voicemails a thing of the past.”’
Additionally, WhatsApp is rolling out voice chat reactions including a new ‘cheers!’ reaction, that users can send without interrupting the flow of conversation. Video calls are also getting smarter with WhatsApp now automatically prioritising the active speaker to improve clarity during group calls.
Upgraded Meta AI Image Creation and Animation
WhatsApp is also expanding its AI-powered creative tools. Meta AI now integrates enhanced image generation models from Flux and Midjourney, delivering what WhatsApp calls a “huge” improvement in quality. These upgrades are especially timely for crafting visually impressive holiday greetings.
One of the biggest additions is AI-driven image animation. Users can now turn any photo into a short video clip by providing prompts or messages, allowing for more expressive and personalised content.
On desktop, a revamped media tab improves sorting for documents, links and media across all chats. Link previews have also been refreshed for a cleaner look.
New Status Stickers and Enhanced Channel Interactions
WhatsApp is strengthening its Status and Channels features as well. Users can now add music lyrics, interactive stickers, and response-based questions to their Status updates, making them more dynamic and engaging.
In Channels, WhatsApp is introducing question prompts that enables admins to interact with followers more directly and receive real-time responses.
FAQs
Q1. What is the new Missed Call Messages feature on WhatsApp?
Answer. It lets users instantly send a voice or video note when someone doesn’t answer their call, replacing traditional voicemail.
Q2. How is WhatsApp using AI in this update?
Answer. WhatsApp now offers AI-powered image generation with improved models and introduces AI-driven image animation, turning photos into short video clips.
Q3. What new options are available for WhatsApp Status and Channels?
Answer. Users can add music lyrics, interactive stickers, and questions to Status, while Channels gain question prompts for real-time admin-follower interaction.