If you haven’t noticed, WhatsApp has recently been on a bit of an update blitz bringing new features to the app. This is, historically, a little unusual. WhatsApp sat mostly unchanged for many years after it was acquired by Facebook, now Meta, but recently users have been treated to several free upgrades.

In total, WhatsApp said this month it has recently added 12 new features to the app for both iPhone and Android users.

“With new features and updates being added all the time, it can be easy to miss out on useful and exciting ways you can use WhatsApp,” WhatsApp said in a blog post. “To keep you in the loop, we’ll be sharing regular roundups of the latest updates, tools, and settings. Today’s roundup includes features that have rolled out recently to make your conversations and calls more enjoyable, and improve your Channels experience.”

It took until 2024 for WhatsApp to introduce the bubble-style typing indicator that many other messaging apps use, so the firm hasn’t traditionally been that bothered about adding new things or even copying its rivals.

But this new slew of additions suggests WhatsApp wants to make little tweaks to the app to keep its users happy.

Here are the updates WhatsApp has added to your Chats, in WhatsApp’s own words:

‘Online’ indicator in group chats: To help you know if people are around to chat, you can now see how many people are ‘Online’ in real-time, right under the group name.

Highlight notifications in groups: Need an easy way to prioritize your group chat notifications? Use the new ‘Notify for’ setting and select ‘Highlights’ to limit notifications for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts or ‘All’ to receive all notifications

Events updates: In addition to creating events in groups, you can now create an event in a 1:1 conversation. We’ve also added the ability to RSVP as ‘maybe,’ invite a plus one, add end date and time for longer events, and pin the event in a chat.

Tappable reactions: Sometimes you just want to +1 to what someone else said. Now you can quickly view everyone else’s reactions and tap the one you want to send.

Document scanning on iPhone: Scan and send documents directly from WhatsApp on iPhone. Simply select ‘Scan document’ from the attachment tray and follow the steps to scan, crop, and save the document.

Default App for iPhone: With the latest iOS update, you can now also set WhatsApp as your default messaging and calling app on your iPhone. To make the switch, simply go to Settings > Default Apps and select WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, here’s what the firm has added to the Calls tab:

Pinch to zoom in video calls: iPhone users can now pinch to zoom in on a video while on a video call to get a closer look at your own or peer video.

Add to call from a chat: Add someone to an ongoing 1:1 call directly from a chat thread by tapping the call icon on the top and selecting ‘Add to call’.

Enjoy smoother video calls: We've upgraded our technology to make your video calls more reliable and higher quality. Our optimized routing system finds the best connection path, reducing dropped calls and video freezing. And our improved bandwidth detection quickly upgrades your video to HD quality for a more enjoyable experience.

Lastly in the Updates tab at the bottom of the app, WhatsApp has added three new features that relate to Status and Channels, which are separate from the rest of your chats:

Video notes for Channels: Similar to chats, Channel admins can now instantly record and share short videos (60 seconds or less) with followers.

Voice message transcripts on Channels: You can now get a written summary of voice message updates from channels when you’re on the go and can’t listen to them.

QR codes: As a channel admin, you can now share a unique QR code that links directly to your channel, making it easy to share with others and grow their audience.