The best improvements to WhatsApp in 2023: 10 new features you shouldn’t ignore

The best improvements to WhatsApp in 2023: 10 new features you shouldn’t ignore

Despite having nearly 3 billion users, Meta makes less money from WhatsApp than you imagine. WhatsApp only generates a modest fraction of the revenue, unlike Instagram, which relies on adverts. On the other side, Meta intends to alter that.

It has been a top priority for Meta to introduce businesses to WhatsApp Business to generate revenue. Take 2023 as an example; when WhatsApp added so many new features, it was challenging to keep up. But don’t worry, we have you covered on this subject.

For those moments when you’d rather talk than type, WhatsApp’s latest audio status feature has your back. This recent addition empowers you to record voice messages and share them as your status, akin to the 24-hour visibility feature reminiscent of Instagram stories. To dive into this feature, head to the Status tab, locate the pencil icon, and then hold down the microphone icon to craft your audio status. It’s a user-friendly and expressive means of connecting with your friends while embracing WhatsApp’s ever-evolving feature set.

Pin messages in the chat

Have you ever misplaced an essential WhatsApp conversation in a flood of messages? That won’t happen again thanks to the new pin messages function, which allows you to put up to three chats at the top of your list for quick access. On Android, tap and hold a discussion, then tap Pin chat. On iOS, you may accomplish the same thing by swiping right on the conversation.

Edit messages

We all make mistakes occasionally, especially while typing quickly on WhatsApp. Perhaps you should have corrected a word, included something vital, or sent a message to the wrong person. Don’t worry. WhatsApp’s new edit messages function has you covered.

WhatsApp’s Companion Mode: Seamlessly Linking Multiple Phones

WhatsApp’s innovative Companion Mode caters to those who switch between multiple phones, providing a convenient way to access your chats on each one. Whether you own an Android or an iPhone, Companion Mode makes it easy to link them and use WhatsApp across devices without a hitch. To get started, just open WhatsApp on your second phone, choose the “Or link this device to an existing account” option, and scan the QR code provided. This simple process ensures you can effortlessly stay connected and in sync across your various devices.

Chat lock

Do you have any conversations that are too hot for prying eyes? You can now password-protect them and keep them apart from the rest of your WhatsApp discussions. These discussions would be accessible only because they require your phone’s authentication method, such as a passcode, Face ID, or fingerprint. Locked talks are relocated to a new folder called Locked chats. Don’t worry. If someone sends you a message in a locked chat, the notice will say WhatsApp: 1 new message. There are no names or previews. To use the conversation lock feature, go to the chat details and select conversation lock.

Send full-resolution images

We know that WhatsApp is renowned for compressing your photographs and videos to the point where they seem like they were taken with a potato. That has changed with the addition of the “HD quality” option, which allows you to share media without compromising any pixels.

Watch for the HD icon above when submitting a photo or video in HD resolution. However, sending HD media will require more data and storage space than usual.

Silence unknown calls

If you’re weary of receiving random WhatsApp calls from strangers, you’ll welcome this new function. You can now ban or quiet calls from unknown numbers by updating your privacy settings.

Someone with an unknown number is not on your contact list and has never messaged you. To enable this option, click Settings > Privacy > Calls > Silence Unknown Calls. Missed calls from unknown numbers will still appear on your call history, but your phone will not ring or vibrate when they call.

WhatsApp Channels: Your Gateway to Stay Updated

One exciting way to remain up to speed with postings and updates from your favourite social media influencers, personalities, and organizations across various themes and fields is through WhatsApp Channels, a recent addition to the Meta-owned messaging programme.

The material on WhatsApp Channels caters to various interests, including music, fashion, sports, and much more. It acts as your central hub for finding and interacting with pertinent information. What’s best? You may engage with them directly by showing the channel owners your support with likes, contributing insightful comments, and sharing their compelling material. WhatsApp Channels have something for everyone, making it simple to follow your favourite subjects and people in one convenient location.

New layout

For now, WhatsApp has been testing a new design for its Android app, which looks more like its iOS equivalent, complete with a bottom navigation bar. This layout is now being rolled out to everyone.

However, WhatsApp still needs to be finished with UI updates. According to WABetaInfo, another significant UI revamp is coming, including various Material Design 3 aspects, such as an all-white theme.

Screen sharing

Sometimes, you must show someone something on your phone, but sharing screenshots is too time-consuming or impractical. This is where screen sharing comes in. This feature was made initially accessible to WhatsApp beta testers in May 2023 and is now available to everyone.

Utilizing it is easy. Tap the screen-sharing icon at the bottom of the screen (it resembles a phone with an arrow) after starting a video conference with a contact.