WhatsApp, boasting nearly 3 billion global users, saw significant updates in 2024. Meta, its parent company, focuses on monetizing the platform through WhatsApp Business integrations. This article highlights ten new features of WhatsApp that were introduced in 2024 and tailored for an Indian audience.
List of Top 10 New WhatsApp Features
- Voice Status Feature – Share voice updates as status.
- Pin Messages in Chat – Pin important messages for easy access.
- Edit Messages – Correct or update the messages that are sent.
- Companion Mode – Use WhatsApp on multiple devices simultaneously.
- Chat Lock – Secure individual chats with a password.
- Send Full-Resolution Images – Share high-quality images without compression.
- Silence Unknown Calls – Block calls from unknown numbers.
- WhatsApp Channels – Create and follow broadcast channels.
- New Layout – Enjoy an updated, user-friendly interface.
- Screen Sharing – Share your screen during video calls.
Read More: How to Save and Find Audio Files on WhatsApp
Voice Status Feature
In 2024, WhatsApp launched a new voice status feature, allowing you to share your thoughts with friends effortlessly. You can now record and post voice messages as status updates, similar to Instagram stories. To use this feature, go to the Status tab, tap the pencil icon, then press and hold the mic icon to record your message.
Pin Messages in Chat
Are you tired of losing essential chats among countless messages? WhatsApp’s new pin messages feature has you covered. You can now keep up to three chats pinned at the top for easy access. Tap and hold a chat on Android, then select “Pin chat.” On iOS, swipe right on the chat to pin it.
Edit Messages
WhatsApp’s new edit messages feature lets you correct typing errors within 15 minutes of sending a message. Press the message and select “Edit” from the menu to make changes.
Companion Mode
WhatsApp’s companion mode lets users with multiple phones link their account device, whether Android or iPhone. To activate companion mode, open WhatsApp on your second phone, select “Or link this device to an existing account,” and scan the QR code.
Chat Lock
Need to keep private chats hidden? WhatsApp’s chat lock feature lets you secure these conversations with a password using your phone’s authentication method (e.g., passcode, Face ID, or fingerprint). Locked chats are moved to a separate “Locked chats” folder, and incoming messages are discreetly displayed as “WhatsApp: 1 new message.” To activate chat lock, go to chat info and select “Chat lock.”
Send Full-Resolution Images
WhatsApp now provides an “HD quality” option for sharing images and videos without compression. Look for the HD icon when sending media. Note that this option uses more data and storage space.
Silence Unknown Calls
Fed up with unwanted calls from unknown numbers? WhatsApp lets you block or silence calls from unfamiliar contacts through your privacy settings. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Privacy > Calls > Silence Unknown Calls.
WhatsApp Channels
Meta has introduced WhatsApp Channels, enabling users to follow posts and updates from social media creators, celebrities, and organizations on various topics. You can access channels through the “Updates” tab at the bottom of your phone screen.
New Layout
WhatsApp has introduced a new Android app design with a bottom navigation bar, aligning it more closely with its iOS counterpart. In the near future, expect additional UI updates incorporating Material Design 3 elements.
Screen Sharing
WhatsApp’s screen-sharing feature, previously available only to beta testers, is now accessible to everyone. During a video call, tap the screen-sharing icon at the bottom of the screen to share your phone screen with the other person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new WhatsApp features introduced in 2024?
New features include Voice Status, Pin Messages, Edit Messages, Companion Mode, Chat Lock, HD Quality Media Sharing, Silence Unknown Calls, WhatsApp Channels, a redesigned Android app layout, and Screen Sharing.
How does the Voice Status feature work?
You can record and post voice messages as status updates. To use this, go to the Status tab, tap the pencil icon, and press and hold the mic icon.
How can I pin messages in a chat?
You can pin up to three chats for quick access. On Android, tap and hold a chat and select “Pin chat.” On iOS, swipe right on the chat and tap “Pin.”
What is the Edit Messages feature?
You can edit messages within 15 minutes of sending them. Press on the message and choose “Edit” from the menu.
What is Companion Mode?
Companion Mode lets you link your WhatsApp account to another device, such as another phone. Open WhatsApp on the second phone, select “Or link this device to an existing account,” and scan the QR code.
How does the Chat Lock feature work?
Lock individual chats with passwords using your phone’s authentication method (e.g., passcode, Face ID, or fingerprint). You can access locked chats in a separate “Locked chats” folder.
How do I share media in HD quality?
When sending images or videos, look for the HD icon to share them in high quality. This option uses more data and storage.
How can I silence or block calls from unknown numbers?
Go to Settings > Privacy > Calls > Silence Unknown Calls to block or silence calls from unfamiliar contacts.
Conclusion
New WhatsApp features introduced in 2024 enhance user experience with increased functionality and convenience. From the ability to share voice status updates and edit messages to improved privacy with chat locking and HD media sharing, these updates aim to make communication more seamless and engaging.
Companion Mode and Screen Sharing expand multi-device usability and interactive capabilities, while the redesigned Android app and WhatsApp Channels offer a more integrated and user-friendly interface. These advancements reflect WhatsApp’s commitment to evolving with user needs and preferences, ensuring a richer and more versatile messaging experience.
