WhatsApp has rolled out a new update aimed at enhancing the calling experience for its users, introducing features that make scheduling and participating in calls more streamlined and interactive.
The update is available to users across different platforms and is expected to benefit both personal and professional communication.
With the latest improvements, users can now schedule voice and video calls in advance, choosing a specific date and time. This applies to both one-on-one and group conversations, making it easier to plan discussions or meetings without last-minute coordination. Once a call is scheduled, invitations can be sent directly to individual contacts or WhatsApp groups. Participants will also receive timely reminders, reducing the chances of missing important calls.
The calling experience has been further enhanced with the addition of interactive in-call tools. A new “raise hand” feature allows participants to indicate they wish to speak, helping to avoid interruptions and maintain the flow of conversation, especially in larger group discussions.
WhatsApp has also introduced emoji reactions during calls, enabling users to express themselves instantly without disrupting the speaker or the ongoing discussion.
To support these changes, the Calls tab within the app has been redesigned for better organisation. It now displays all scheduled and upcoming calls along with the names of participants. From this tab, users can easily share invite links, and call organisers receive notifications when someone joins via a shared link.
All scheduled and ongoing calls continue to be protected by WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, ensuring user privacy and secure communication.
Setting up a scheduled call is a simple process. Users can navigate to the Calls tab, select a contact or group, tap on “Schedule Call”, choose the type of call, set the date and time, and confirm the details. These additions are expected to make the app more useful for managing daily communication, offering tools that support better coordination and engagement.
In a separate development, WhatsApp also revealed in its India Monthly Report that over 9.8 million accounts were banned in the country during the month of June. Of these, nearly 1.97 million accounts were banned proactively before receiving any user complaints. The platform stated that this action is part of its ongoing efforts to address harmful behaviour and maintain user safety.
