WhatsApp Rolls Out New Features: Here’s What You Might Have Missed Recently

With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp continues to dominate as the world’s most popular messaging platform. To maintain its popularity and improve user experience, WhatsApp frequently introduces new features. However, many users remain unaware of these updates. Here’s a rundown of the most recent features added to the Meta-owned app:

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### 🔵 **Online Indicator in Group Chats**
A new feature has been quietly added to group chats, allowing users to see how many members are currently online. This number appears just below the group name. However, WhatsApp does not reveal exactly *who* is online—only the total count.

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### 🔕 **Group Chat Notification Control**
Tired of constant buzzing from group chats? A new “Notify For” setting helps users focus on what matters. With the **Highlights** option, users can limit notifications to:
– Replies to their messages
– Messages from saved contacts
– Mentions in group chats

This gives users better control over their attention and reduces unnecessary distractions.

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### 📅 **Event Creation in One-on-One Chats**
While group events have been around for some time, WhatsApp has now made it possible to create **events in personal chats** too. Users can:
– Invite others
– Add date and time
– Pin the event to the top of the chat for quick access

This is ideal for planning meetups, appointments, or reminders directly in a conversation.

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### 📄 **Document Scanning (iOS Only)**
iPhone users can now scan documents directly within WhatsApp. No need for third-party apps—just use the **“Scan Document”** option in the attachment tray to digitize documents on the go.

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### 🔍 **Zoom During Video Calls (iOS Only)**
Another iPhone-exclusive update: users can now **zoom in** during video calls, providing a closer look without needing to adjust the camera physically.

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### 📲 **QR Codes for Channels**
WhatsApp Channel creators can now generate and share **QR codes** that link directly to their channels. This makes it easier for followers to join and for creators to promote their content across platforms.

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These features reflect WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to evolve beyond just messaging, offering a more personalized, secure, and interactive communication experience. If you haven’t explored these updates yet, check your app—you might just find something that changes the way you use WhatsApp!