Many were eager for the favorite messaging software to get some new features as the year got underway. As January drew to a close, one seen some much anticipated Beta features arrive on everyone’s devices along with other fascinating updates. Welcome back, and let’s get started if you’re here to discover all the new WhatsApp features that were launched in January 2025.
New WhatsApp Features Added in January 2025
All WhatsApp iOS, Android, and desktop users can use these new capabilities. Update to the newest app.
WhatsApp’s AI Studio
Accessible on iPhone and Android
Have no buddies with whom to chat or simply need someone to keep you from becoming bored? With its AI Studio personas, WhatsApp saves the day. The Meta AI chat window provides access to this capability, which is being made available to all users.
It allows you to interact with a range of AI avatars and have conversations with them. They include pop cultural figures, anime icons, and individuals from various cultures. You can now obtain a talking dog’s opinion on anything if you ever need one.
Built-in Dial Pad
Accessible on the iPhone
As noted that the business is testing a built-in dial pad in to December features list, and it is currently available on iOS. To access the Calls tab on an iPhone, hit the plus + icon in the upper right corner and select the Call a number option. Then, without first storing the number to your contacts, dial it straight.
Double Tap to React
Accessible on iPhone and Android
You may already be aware that you can double-tap a direct message to like it if you’ve ever used Instagram. Well, WhatsApp now offers something somewhat comparable. The emoji reaction carousel can be accessed by double-tapping a voice message, text message, or media. After that, you can react by tapping the emoji.
Photo Stickers and Sticker Pack Links
Accessible on iPhone and Android
Everybody has inside jokes with their loved ones. You can now create personalised sticker packs and add them to WhatsApp. This enables you to turn selfies and other images in your collection into stickers. You can use it as a sticker once the program cleverly removes the subject from the picture. Tap the Sticker icon in the text field, then select the Create option to bring up this choice.
But that’s not all. You may now exchange URLs to sticker packs on WhatsApp. As a result, you may easily share a link to the sticker pack you’re using with your pals. In the sticker place, the option will be accessible. You must select Send after pressing the three dots icon next to the sticker pack name.
Background Effects for Normal Photos
Accessible on iPhone and Android
It has already covered adding picture and video filters for calls and status updates. However, you may now click on ordinary photographs for private conversations as well. Yes, when you tap the camera icon in a chat window, you have access to the same thirty or so backdrops, effects, and filters. Everyone is getting access to this functionality, so if you don’t see it, you should upgrade the app.
Add Message Before Forwarding
Accessible on Android
It noted that WhatsApp is testing the ability to add a message before transmitting any material in November features list. Android users can now access this. You will now have the ability to provide your own note whenever you forward any text, media, or links.
Upcoming New WhatsApp Features in January 2025 (Beta)
All of the changes that are currently being tested are listed here. Only a select group of users who have signed up for WhatsApp’s beta program can access these.
Dedicated Tab for AI Studio
Android testing
At the moment, the only ways to access AI avatars are through the Meta AI chat window or when launching a new conversation. However, new beta versions suggest that the app will soon have a dedicated AI page. This will take the place of the Communities page and serve as your one-stop shop for perusing all of AI Studio’s creations. Perhaps it will also serve as the new location for Meta AI chat.
When a user opens this new tab for the first time, WhatsApp is also testing a new animation. This includes the ability to make and share your own AI personas on WhatsApp, which is currently not feasible. Additionally, the platform is piloting a Meta AI widget to further promote this AI push on the app. This will enable you to start a chat with the chatbot right from your home screen.
Colorful Icons for Chats and Groups
Android and iPhone testing
To sick of seeing the same old grey placeholders whenever someone doesn’t have a profile picture put up. In order to address this, WhatsApp is exploring vibrant display icons that show the initials for both individual and group chats. When you need to locate them, this will make it simpler. Once they set an image as their display picture, the colours that were assigned at random will disappear.
Connect WhatsApp to Meta Accounts Center
Android and iPhone testing
WhatsApp will now be able to use Meta’s Accounts Centre. By doing this, you can link your WhatsApp account to your Facebook and Instagram profiles, allowing you to publish status updates simultaneously on several sites. As a result, you can share WhatsApp status updates with Facebook and Instagram, and most likely the other way around.
Additionally, it makes it simple to log into your WhatsApp account when switching between devices. similar to what you can do with Instagram or Facebook. If you are worried about your privacy, you can opt out of this function, which will be optional. However, neither the end-to-end encryption nor the collection of user data would be compromised by integrating your WhatsApp account.
Share Music in Status Updates
Android and iPhone testing
It discussed WhatsApp’s ability to allow you to include music in your status updates a few months ago. Although the developers have not yet received the feature, the narrative has been updated. As expected, this will enable you to enhance your WhatsApp updates with music from Instagram.
Manage Chat Animations
Android and iPhone testing
A menu to disable animations for all of the aforementioned is being tested in the messaging app. As long as these settings are toggled off, this will convert all GIFs, stickers, and emojis into still images. However, you may use the same menu to activate them at any moment.
Unread Counter on Filters
Android testing
Only a few months ago, WhatsApp began making the message filter feature available to all users. By displaying the quantity of unread messages in every category, they are now improving on it. Therefore, a two-digit number will appear next to the Groups filter if you have two unread group messages. Chats in custom lists are no different. You can make sure you don’t miss any crucial texts by doing this.
Events in Regular Chats
Android testing
One of WhatsApp’s better improvements is Events, but it is still only available in Groups and Communities. One-on-one chats are now also being used to test the feature. This will enable you to remind your friends or family about the event.
Photos in Polls
Android testing
When establishing a poll, you will soon have the opportunity to use images. Members will find it easier to comprehend each option and the experience will become more immersive as a result. To keep things consistent, though, you must include an image in one choice and others as well.
This concludes yet another monthly compilation of fresh
New WhatsApp Features in January 2025. Stable users were treated to several much anticipated features and some intriguing enhancements this month. As usual, make sure to update the app frequently if you haven’t gotten them yet. Let will see you again next month. With that, it bid you farewell for now.
