Millions of WhatsApp users need to watch out for 7 big changes to the app

MILLIONS of WhatsApp users may find their app changing in the coming weeks.

Details of major changes – some of which are already live – have been revealed.

1

That’s because WhatsApp usually tests new features and tweaks in a special version of the app called a beta.

That means we’ll know about changes before they go live globally.

WhatsApp – as well as the sleuths at WABetaInfo – Seven major app updates were unveiled this week.

That means you need to look out for some tweaks to your WhatsApp app.

And when you use the beta, things get even more exciting.

WhatsApp updates revealed

Here are some of the upcoming changes…

• Communities, polls and profile icons for group chats (live)
• The ability to turn off call notifications (Windows Beta)
• An adjustment to the entry points for editing privacy and avatar settings (Android Beta)
• New voice and video calling features including 32-person calling, muting participants in a call, sending call links, voice waveforms and more (live)
• Two new sticker packs (live)
• Three New Big Heart Emojis (Android Beta)
• Picture-in-picture for video calling on iPhone (coming early 2023, live in beta)

Some of these features are live right now, so you can try them out in the app.

Others are only available in beta for testing.

It’s impossible to say exactly when these new features will land – it could be weeks or even months.

So, to have the best chance of trying them out as soon as possible, you should sign up for the WhatsApp beta version.

Follow our guide below to get involved.

How to get WhatsApp beta

To download WhatsApp Beta for your smartphone, you need to go to Google Play on your smartphone Android and search for whatsapp.

Scroll down the page until you see “Become a Beta Tester”.

Tap the “I’m in” button, then tap “Join” to confirm.

Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.

Join the WhatsApp beta iOS is more difficult and has a limited capacity.

Follow Apple’s instructions here.

The best tips and hacks for phones and gadgets

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find these secret features in social media apps? We’ve got you covered…

Get the latest news about WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and other tech gadgets here.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science Team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk