WhatsApp has announced the rollout of three new features designed to improve the user experience on its messaging app, with the highlight being the ability to schedule calls in advance.
The Meta-owned platform confirmed that the new Scheduled Calls feature will be available for both group and one-on-one conversations. Users can invite individuals or entire groups to a scheduled call, and all participants will receive a notification when the call is about to start.
To schedule a call, users need to press the ‘+’ button in the Calls tab and select ‘Schedule call’, then choose the desired contacts or group members. The feature will gradually be rolled out to users worldwide.
“We’re launching these updates to give users new ways to connect, whether for family catch-ups or professional meetings,” WhatsApp said in a press release on Monday, August 18. The company also confirmed that all scheduled calls will be end-to-end encrypted.
This update addresses a long-standing request from users for the ability to schedule calls, positioning WhatsApp as a stronger competitor to other video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.
Alongside scheduling, WhatsApp is introducing additional call enhancements. Users will now be able to raise their hand or react with an emoji during calls. The interface has also been updated to make managing calls easier. In the Calls tab, users can view upcoming scheduled calls, see a list of attendees, and share a link for others to join. Notifications will be sent when someone joins a scheduled call via a shared link.
The new features build on a series of recent updates. Last week, WhatsApp unveiled an AI-powered tool in beta called Writing Help, which provides suggestions on how to phrase messages, correct grammar, or adjust tone before sending. Writing Help is currently available for testing on Android and is powered by Meta’s Private Processing technology.
In June, WhatsApp also confirmed it would begin introducing sponsored ads within its Status feature. These ads will only appear in the ‘Updates’ tab, which is reportedly used by 1.5 billion people daily. WhatsApp emphasised that no ads will appear in personal chats or the Calls tab.
This WhatsApp update is a game-changer. Scheduled group calls make planning much easier, and the new call features improve clarity and usability. Even while juggling busy schedules or researching mortgage rates richmond, staying connected with friends or colleagues feels seamless. Definitely a practical upgrade.
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