WhatsApp News & Updates for January 2026

WhatsApp Introduces Member Tags, Text Stickers and Event Reminders for Group Chats

5 days ago

WhatsApp has launched new features for group chats: member tags, text stickers, and event reminders. Member tags let users define their roles, useful in larger chats. Text stickers allow users to turn any text into a sticker and add it directly to sticker packs. Event reminders help participants remember important dates for group events. These updates complement existing features like large file sharing and voice chats.

WhatsApp launches new holiday features including missed call messages and AI image updates

1 months ago

WhatsApp's new holiday features include missed call messages allowing voice or video notes instead of voicemails, emoji reactions during voice chats, and speaker spotlight in group video calls. Meta AI enhancements improve image creation and animation for chats and status. A new media tab on desktop helps organize files, and link previews are cleaner. Status stickers and interactive questions on Channels boost engagement.

New WhatsApp App Launches for Apple Watch to Enhance Chat Experience

2 months ago

WhatsApp has launched a new app for Apple Watch, enabling users to manage chats without their iPhone. Features include call notifications, reading full messages, sending written and voice messages, and quick emoji reactions. Users will see clearer images and more chat history. The app ensures privacy with end-to-end encryption and is available for Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 10. Future updates will be based on user feedback.

WhatsApp Introduces Fingerprint and Face ID for Chat Backup Encryption

2 months ago

You can now use your fingerprint, face, or screen lock code to end-to-end encrypt your WhatsApp chat backups. WhatsApp has introduced passkey-enabled encryption, allowing users to secure their chat backups without memorizing passwords or complex keys. This feature aims to enhance the safety and privacy of chat backups. It will be rolled out gradually, and users can enable it through their WhatsApp settings under Chats and Chat backup.

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WhatsApp limits messages to unknown users to curb spam and improve experience

2 months ago

WhatsApp is addressing spam by limiting how many messages users and businesses can send to unknown people without a response. All messages to others count against this monthly limit unless replied to. The exact limit is still being tested. Users nearing the limit will get a warning to avoid being blocked. This aims to reduce spam without affecting average users, especially in markets like India where WhatsApp is widely used.

WhatsApp adds Live photos custom themes and AI backgrounds for calls

3 months ago

WhatsApp has introduced new features to enhance chatting and calling. Users can now send Live and Motion photos, create custom chat themes with Meta AI, and access new sticker packs for more expressive conversations. Group chat searches have become easier, allowing users to find groups by searching for members. Android users can scan and send documents directly from the app. Additionally, Meta AI enables unique backgrounds for video calls and photos.

WhatsApp launches message translation feature for easier communication

3 months ago

WhatsApp now offers message translations to help over 3 billion users communicate across languages. Users can long-press a message to translate it and select the desired language. Android users can enable automatic translation for entire chat threads. Translations happen on the device for privacy. The feature is gradually rolling out, starting with six languages for Android and over 19 for iPhone, aiming to break down language barriers.

Meta Expands WhatsApp Ads to Link Click-to-Message with Status Updates

3 months ago

Meta Ads WhatsApp

Meta is expanding WhatsApp ads by letting click-to-message ads link to WhatsApp Status updates instead of direct chats. This builds on June's WhatsApp Status ads, which show promotions between friends' updates. Advertisers can combine ads from Facebook and Instagram with WhatsApp Status, directing users to business chats. Ads appear in the Updates tab, separate from personal chats, to boost engagement among 100 million U.S. users.

WhatsApp updates video calls with AI backgrounds and new effects

4 months ago

WhatsApp now offers AI-generated backgrounds for video calls, adding new filters and effects to enhance user experience. This feature lets users customize call backgrounds with presets like beaches and forests. It follows earlier updates like chat themes and marks Meta's first AI background tool on WhatsApp, aiming to boost professional use. The update raises questions about authenticity but signals more AI integration ahead.

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