Highlights
- WhatsApp is adding a built-in call dialer to its iPhone app.
- It will allow iOS users to call phone numbers directly through the app.
- The call dialer feature is rolling out to beta users.
- It will eventually be available to everyone.
The WhatsApp calling feature is probably the most convenient in-app calling feature available out there.
According to the last released figures by Meta, more than 100 million voice calls are made every day.
So, it is understandable that the platform wants to streamline the calling feature to make it a more smoother experience for users. The latest update reveals a new WhatsApp calling feature for iPhone users.
The Meta-owned app is making it easier to connect with people outside your contact list by adding a built-in call dialer to its iPhone app. This new feature lets users call phone numbers directly through WhatsApp, even if the number isn’t saved in their contacts.
The latest beta version of WhatsApp for iOS, as reported by WABetaInfo and 9to5Mac, introduces a call dialer that looks quite similar to the iPhone’s default dialer.
📝 WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.25.10.76: what’s new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a new in-app call dialer feature, and it’s available to some beta testers!
Some users can experiment with this feature by installing certain previous updates.https://t.co/f10ldZ8Z0k pic.twitter.com/BWLRmJ25if— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) December 13, 2024
As per reports, here’s how the new features work –
- Enter any phone number into the dialer.
- If the number is registered with WhatsApp, you can make a call straight from the app.
- The dialer is accessible by tapping the “+” button in the Calls tab on WhatsApp.
This update is designed to streamline the process of calling people or businesses without needing to save their numbers first. It’s another step in WhatsApp’s evolution into a comprehensive alternative to Apple’s Phone app.
With iOS 18.2, users can now set third-party apps as their default for calls and text messages.
Although no app has fully adopted this functionality yet, it’s likely that WhatsApp will support this soon, further expanding its utility.
Earlier this week, WhatsApp also introduced improvements to its calling features including higher resolution for video calls to enhance video call quality for a sharper experience.
It also introduced group call options where users can now initiate calls with specific members of a group chat instead of the entire group.
The new call dialer is being gradually rolled out to beta users through the TestFlight program.
It will eventually be available to everyone with the stable version of the app. WhatsApp can be downloaded for free from the App Store.
FAQs
Q1. What is the new feature added to WhatsApp for iPhone?
Answer. WhatsApp is adding a built-in call dialer to its iPhone app, allowing users to call phone numbers directly through the app, even if the number isn’t saved in their contacts.
Q2. How can users access the new call dialer in WhatsApp?
Answer. The call dialer is accessible by tapping the “+” button in the Calls tab on WhatsApp.
Q3. What improvements to calling features did WhatsApp introduce earlier this week?
Answer. WhatsApp introduced a higher resolution for video calls to enhance video call quality and group call options where users can initiate calls with specific members of a group chat instead of the entire group.
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