Latest WhatsApp 2026 Updates
- Stronger Two-Step Verification
WhatsApp is upgrading the old 6-digit PIN to a stronger password that can include letters, numbers, and special characters. - More Information About Unknown Callers
When an unknown person calls you, WhatsApp can show additional context, such as whether the number is from another country or whether you share groups with the caller. - Multiple Passkeys
WhatsApp now allows users to have more than one passkey, useful if you use both Android and iPhone. Passkeys can use fingerprint, Face ID, or your phone’s screen lock. - WhatsApp Web Calling
You can now make and receive audio and video calls directly through WhatsApp Web, including group calls, without installing a separate desktop application. - WhatsApp on iPad
You can create a WhatsApp account directly on an iPad rather than having to link it to a phone first. - PDF Editing
WhatsApp has added the ability to open PDFs directly in WhatsApp Web/Desktop and perform lightweight actions such as highlighting and annotation. - Music on Status 🎵
You can share songs from services such as Apple Music or Spotify directly to your WhatsApp Status. - AI Features 🤖
WhatsApp has been introducing AI-powered features, including tools to improve photos and generate smarter suggested replies. - Scam Protection
WhatsApp is testing a feature designed to warn users about potentially suspicious scam messages, using on-device machine learning. - Older Android Phones Losing Support
Starting September 8, 2026, WhatsApp will support Android 6.0 and newer. Older Android versions will no longer be supported.
Very Recent Beta Features
WhatsApp is also testing some features that may not yet be available to everyone. For example, recent beta reports mention draft-message notifications, where WhatsApp reminds you that you left an unfinished message in a chat.
There is also testing around third-party AI agents, allowing users to chat with configured agents inside WhatsApp.