WhatsApp continues to expand its feature library, introducing new updates monthly to enhance the user experience. In September 2024, WhatsApp rolled out several exciting new features, both for Android and iPhone users, that elevate communication, media sharing, and privacy. Below is a comprehensive guide to all the new WhatsApp features launched in September 2024.
Latest WhatsApp Features (Stable)—September 2024
1. AI Image Generation from Attachments
Available on Android & iPhone
A key feature rolled out this month allows users to generate AI images directly from the attachment menu using Meta AI’s powerful image tool. Initially tested in May 2024, this feature now lets users quickly create and share AI-generated images without ever leaving their chat window.
2. Responding to Media Files Directly from the Viewer
Available on Android & iPhone
Replying to media content like images or videos has never been easier. Now, when viewing an image in full screen, you can quickly reply or react without exiting the media viewer. This small but impactful change streamlines communication for media-heavy chats.
3. Like Button for Status Updates
Available on Android & iPhone
Reacting to someone’s status update with a “Like” is now possible with a simple tap on the heart icon. Introduced in August 2024’s beta release, this feature is now available for everyone. It’s similar to Instagram’s like function, making WhatsApp’s status updates even more interactive.
4. Redesigned Status Update Preview
Available on Android
WhatsApp has adopted Facebook-like design elements for its status previews, making them look more like Stories. This redesigned layout is slowly being rolled out to stable users via server-side updates, giving a modern look to the WhatsApp interface.
5. Voice Interaction with Meta AI
Available on Android
WhatsApp now supports voice prompts for interacting with Meta AI, making it easier to send queries without typing. Though it’s a new feature, some users with heavy accents may find that the AI needs improvement in recognizing voice inputs.
Upcoming WhatsApp Features in Beta: September 2024
1. Status Viewer Update Tracking
Testing on Android
You’ll soon be able to check who viewed your status and see if they’ve posted their own status updates. Tapping on a viewer’s profile will take you directly to their latest status. This feature is still in beta but is expected to launch soon.
2. Contact Sync Management
Testing on Android
WhatsApp will soon allow you to control contact syncing across devices. You can opt to back up or delete specific contacts, which can be useful when switching phones or using multiple devices. This feature simplifies contact management and will likely be available to stable users soon.
3. Draft Message Indicator
Testing on iPhone
A long-awaited feature for those who often forget to send messages! WhatsApp will now label unsent messages as “Drafts,” visible right from the chat list. This feature will help users avoid forgetting unfinished conversations.
4. Create Group Call Links
Testing on Android
WhatsApp is developing the ability to create and share group call links within chats. This allows participants to join calls via a link, preventing notifications from disturbing others. It’s still unclear whether non-group members can join via these links, but more details should emerge soon.
4. Enhanced Meta AI with Image Sharing
Testing on Android & iPhone
During the Meta Connect 2024 event, new updates to Meta AI were announced, including multi-modal support, which allows users to share images with the AI and receive suggestions or edits in return. This feature ties in with the previously introduced AI image generation tool.
5. Custom Contact Lists
Testing on Android
WhatsApp is developing a feature that allows users to create custom contact lists, letting you organize contacts by category. This can be useful for managing different groups like colleagues, friends, or family members.
6. Community Ownership Transfer
Testing on Android
Admins of WhatsApp communities will soon be able to transfer ownership to another member. This will make it easier to pass on responsibilities when needed.
7. Mentioning Contacts in Status Updates
Testing on Android
You will soon be able to mention specific contacts privately in your status updates. Only mentioned individuals will be notified, making the feature more personalized and secure. Up to five people can be mentioned in a single status.
8. Resharing Status Updates
Testing on Android
A revamped button is being tested to make it easier for users to reshare status updates. This clearer, more prominent option will help streamline the resharing process.
9. New Chat Themes
Testing on Android
WhatsApp is working on chat themes, allowing users to customize the appearance of their chats with different colors and backgrounds. There are 12 preset themes to choose from, with customizable light and dark modes.
10. Blocking Messages from Unknown Numbers
Testing on Android
WhatsApp is introducing a privacy feature to block spam messages from unknown contacts who send multiple messages in a short period. This helps prevent spam while maintaining communication with known contacts.
11. Home Screen Badge Settings
Testing on Android
A new feature in beta allows users to customize how message notification counts appear on the home screen app icon. This provides better control over unread message tracking.
12. Mark All Chats as Read
Testing on Android
A highly requested feature, this upcoming update will allow users to mark all their unread chats as read in one click. It’s expected to exit beta soon.
13 Camera Effects and Filters
Testing on Android
WhatsApp is expanding its effects and filters to include photos, enhancing the app’s native camera with AR filters and background effects.
14 Improved Link Forwarding Warnings
Testing on Android & iPhone
A more prominent warning system is being tested for links that have been forwarded multiple times, helping users avoid misinformation.
15 Polls in Status Updates
Testing on Android & iPhone
WhatsApp is experimenting with adding polls to status updates, similar to Instagram. Users can vote anonymously, creating interactive status updates.
These are all the major features WhatsApp has rolled out or is testing for September 2024. Stay tuned for the upcoming releases and improvements as WhatsApp continues to innovate and improve its services. Let us know in the comments which features you’re most excited about!
