All new WhatsApp features coming to SA users
Here is everything you can expect and need to know about the new updates.
WhatsApp is by far one of the most popular apps in South Africa, and definitely the most popular instant messaging platform.
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According to MyBroadband, around 93.9% of South African online users use the app.
Now, South African users can get excited about even more features that aim to improve their overall WhatsApp experience.
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WhatsApp has introduced several new updates over recent weeks, reflecting its ongoing effort to enhance functionality for users across the nation.
According to WABetaInfo, the application’s development teams routinely refine the platform with updates to enhance performance and resolve common issues.
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WABetaInfo is one of the most closely watched sources for early insights into WhatsApp’s evolution and is a publication known for identifying adjustments, security tools and interface tweaks long before they are officially rolled out.
Many of the features highlighted by WABetaInfo are still under development or limited to beta testers, giving users a glimpse of what may come next.
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Among its recent findings is a new system that will allow more people to try beta-only features directly within the main WhatsApp app.
- The new mechanism aims to eliminate the need for Android users to rely solely on the Google Play Store to access beta versions.
- A built-in section titled ‘Early access to features’ will appear within the settings menu.
- This in-app switch will automatically check for the latest beta updates, simplifying the process.
- The beta versions accessed through this new method will be identical to those available through Google Play.
- This ensures consistent functionality and user experience.
The WhatsApp beta programme on the Play Store has been complete for years, preventing new users from enrolling.
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This has limited the number of South Africans who can test features ahead of their wider release.
The new in-app toggle provides an alternative pathway for accessing unreleased tools, particularly for users who want early exposure to upcoming capabilities without needing to install a separate app.
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For iPhone users
1. Multi-account support
- This upgrade allows up to two phone numbers to be used in the same app.
- Offers flexibility for people who manage personal and business communication from a single device.
- The feature is available to all iOS beta users and will be gradually rolled out to users of the stable app version.
- Those wanting to check availability can navigate to the account section within their settings menu.
This marks a significant shift for iPhone users, as Android users have enjoyed multi-account functionality since October 2023.
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Many Android devices also offer app cloning or dual messaging capabilities, allowing users to duplicate WhatsApp and manage multiple accounts simultaneously.
These device-level tools enable running three or more WhatsApp numbers on a single phone, depending on the manufacturer.
2. Companion app for Apple Watch
- Designed to improve accessibility and convenience.
- The watch app supports voice messages, emoji reactions, viewing message history, call notifications and more.
- Useful for those who want to stay connected without constantly checking their phones.
Beyond these significant additions, WhatsApp has been working on several more minor but meaningful improvements.
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These include:
- A dynamic About system that may allow users to adjust their profile information in more flexible ways.
- Personalised group member tags to improve conversations in group chats.
- Enhanced activity notification controls for channel administrators.
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