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WhatsApp has changed a lot since I started using it ten years ago. With the number of features they release each month, I don't think this will be recognizable in a year or two. But we're also on its heels, keeping you up to date with all the new features added to our favorite messaging app every month. Here is a list of all the new features added to WhatsApp in October 2024.
New WhatsApp features added in October 2024 (stable)
Here is a list of all the new features added to WhatsApp in the month of October. These should be available on WhatsApp for Android, iPhone and Web. If you haven't received these features, update the app to the latest version.
1. Private Mentions in Status Updates
- Available on Android and iPhone
With private mentions you can secretly tag someone on whatsapp statusthe same way you would on Instagram. Only the person mentioned will be informed. They can even share your status as their own. The feature remained in beta for a few months, but is now rolling out to everyone. Check out our private mentions guide to learn how to use this feature.
2. Create a personalized contact list
You can already sort through all your chats, group chats and favorite chats on WhatsApp. But now you can create a personalized contact list for, say, all your office friends so you don't have to scroll through your old chats to find them again. This will make it easier to sort your contacts and find them when needed.
3. Photo and video call filters
- Available on Android and iPhone
WhatsApp is also introducing background effects and filters similar to what we saw in Google Meet and Zoom. This will allow you blur your backgroundgive your face a quick key-up or adjust the lighting. This will work by clicking on a photo in a chat or during a video call.
Additionally, it is gradually being rolled out, as some of our devices have received it, but others have not. If you do not want to use them, you can disable these filters in the app's privacy settings.
4. New zoom controls for the camera
- Available on Android and iPhone
To make it easier for you to capture photos and quickly upload them to WhatsApp, the meta-proprietary platform has released improved zoom controls for the in-app viewfinder for Android and iOS. Using this you can quickly switch between ultra-wide, wide and zoomed fashions. Or you can use the slider to zoom in or out.
Previously, you had to pinch to zoom, but this makes things more one-handed friendly. One interesting thing I noticed is that while the default camera app on the iPhone 13 only allows me to zoom 5x, the WhatsApp zoom controls allow me to go up to 10x.
WhatsApp Features Coming October 2024 (Beta)
These features are under development and should be available if you have WhatsApp Beta installed on your device. Otherwise, they will arrive on your device some time later.
5. React with recently used emojis
- Tests on Android and iPhone
When you long-press on a message, a reaction bar appears with six emojis by default. WhatsApp is expanding this feature, allowing you to scroll through the reaction bar to access more emojis. This will also present your recently used emojis, so you won't have to search for them. This will make interactions on the app more fun and engaging. I know I will get the most out of this feature.
6. Redesigned Strike Indicator
- Tests on Android and iPhone
WhatsApp “Typing…” The indicator has become quite iconic among regular users of the app. However, it will be replaced by a more modern real-time strike indicator. Similar to what you may have seen in iMessage, Google Messages or Facebook Messenger. I've been using this feature for over a week, but out of habit my eyes still crawl to check the old school indicator.
7. Manage group notifications
If you're part of a family WhatsApp group, chances are you've already disabled it to avoid the daily barrage of messages. Good morning messages. However, turning off all notifications may cause you to miss some relevant messages.
This is why WhatsApp adds an activity option in the group notification settings. From there, I can choose to receive “All” messages or just those “that concern me”, such as when someone mentions me or responds to my message.
8. Sync WhatsApp Contacts
- Tests on Android and iPhone
WhatsApp will soon allow you to save contacts within the app itself. You can sync contacts from linked devices and choose whether you want to save them to your contacts or limit them to the app. Registered contacts will be synced with your WhatsApp accountso you can restore them on any device.
9. Search the Web
WhatsApp has been fighting for years to combat fake news and scammers, and has released several features to counter them. The company is currently working on a new solution that allows you to search for an image on the web directly from the app using Google Lens. reverse image search functionality. This will help people quickly discover the validity of an image, preventing them from falling for scams.
10. AI Meta Memory
WhatsApp previously added the ability to choose LLM models for Meta AI, and is now testing a memory feature for the chatbot. This will allow the AI store crucial information about the user, such as their food preferences, date of birth, choice of conversation style and much more. This will help the AI provide tailored responses to the user and provide a level of personalization.
11. Add music to status updates
This is a big problem! WhatsApp borrows one of the most engaging aspects of Instagram Stories. You'll soon be able to search and add music to your status updates right in the app. This will make status updates much more engagingand expressive, because you can add the right track to further highlight your status emotions. It is under development but should be released in the coming months.
12. Custom Sticker Packs
If you're that friend who replies to every text with a sticker, WhatsApp is adding a way for you to easily organize them. The functionality will allow you create your own custom sticker pack where you can add your favorite or most used stickers, and even those received from others. This will help you find them easily when needed.
13. Get Link Info from Google
WhatsApp is adding another measure to prevent you from visiting malicious or phishing sites. It's called “Get link info from Google” and it will search Google for the link before you open the link and visit the website. This will help you find out if the site itself is safe or not. To use it, you'll need to long-press the link for the menu to appear, then select “Get link info from Google.”
14. Status updates in widgets
WhatsApp is working on improving its widget for the iOS app. They will allow you to see status updates directly from the widget without opening the application. This feature was previously available, but was later removed due to redundancy. It's in the early stages of development, so it's unclear whether you can choose which updates appear in the widget or whether the app does it for you. But it's still a nice addition to help you stay up to date on your loved one's status.
15. Manage third-party app notifications
Last year, we reported that WhatsApp was working on third-party chats, and after that, things remained quiet. But a new feature has appeared in beta, which shows that the app is working on an option to let you manage third-party app notifications. This means that cross-platform support is on the way to WhatsApp, and we should get it very soon.
So those are pretty much all the major WhatsApp features we got to see in October 2024. Personally, I love the attention status updates are getting and can't wait for the add music feature be available to everyone. Now if they wear Instagram's wide variety of stickers.
It is also worth noting how WhatsApp understands the problem of people being tricked into believing false information, clicking on malicious links, and using Google's help to counter them. If you received the stable features we talked about above, tell us about your experience with them and what feature you're looking forward to coming to your device.
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