The year 2024 marked a significant period for our preferred messaging service, which underwent several enhancements to improve user experience and saw numerous design upgrades. The app has significantly progressed across all platforms, including Android, iOS, and the desktop version. As the year draws to an end, let’s reflect on the new features that WhatsApp introduced throughout December 2024.
New WhatsApp Features Added in December 2024 (Stable)
In this segment, we will cover all the recent updates, modifications, and enhancements being introduced to WhatsApp for all users. If these features haven’t appeared for you yet, simply update the app to take advantage of them.
Also Read: Top Best WhatsApp New Features in 2025
1. Animated Confetti Reaction
- Accessible on both Android and iPhone devices
As the holiday season approaches, WhatsApp has a delightful surprise for us: a new animated confetti emoji. This addition will appear in the reactions tray, and choosing it will trigger a vibrant confetti animation. The feature is highly enjoyable, and I hope it remains available even after the holidays. It’s particularly entertaining to use when responding to greetings and well-wishes from others.
2. WhatsApp Document Scanner
- Accessible on iPhone
WhatsApp is introducing a new feature for iPhone users that enables document scanning. Accessible through the attachment window under the Document tab, users can select the Scan document option. The feature automatically scans, crops, and highlights text in the documents. This tool can be very handy in various scenarios, and I look forward to its availability on Android devices soon.
3. Choose Group Call Participants
- Accessible on both Android and iPhone devices.
You now have the option to choose specific users when making a group call. This was an essential feature, as initiating a voice call in a group used to notify everyone. Some members might be in situations where they cannot answer. By enabling the selection of participants, only the chosen members’ phones will ring. Nevertheless, others still have the opportunity to join the call in progress.
4. Dedicated Call Tab
- Available on Desktop Application
This month, the desktop version of WhatsApp received a significant update. The most notable enhancement is the addition of a dedicated calls section, which was previously absent. Now, you can not only make calls to your contacts but also generate call links or dial numbers directly. This improvement ensures a more consistent experience across various platforms.
Upcoming WhatsApp Features in December 2024 (Beta)
Here are the thrilling WhatsApp features presently in the testing phase under the beta program. Currently, they are accessible to a select group of users and will become available to everyone else in the future.
5. WhatsApp Call Dialer
- Experimentation on Android Devices
WhatsApp is experimenting with a new dialer interface within the app that enables users to make calls directly by entering the phone number. This feature allows for calls without the need to save the contact first. The integrated dial pad is larger, facilitating easier call placement. Before connecting the call, the app will verify if the number is linked to a WhatsApp account. For business contacts, a blue checkmark will be displayed.
6. Forward Messages and Media to Meta AI
- Evaluating on Android
Meta AI is very useful for seeking suggestions or getting answers to random questions. However, at present, sharing chats or media files with the chatbot requires copying and pasting. Soon, though, the app will introduce a feature allowing users to forward messages directly to AI and inquire about them. This update will make the generative AI tool on the app much more user-friendly.
7. Translate Chats on WhatsApp
- Evaluating on Android
The widespread use of WhatsApp enables seamless communication with people around the world without incurring additional charges. Nonetheless, language differences can present challenges for some users. This may be the reason behind the company’s efforts to integrate a built-in message translation feature. Users will need to download a language pack, as the translation process will occur directly on their device. For further details on this feature, you can check out our specialized coverage.
8. Reply to Voice Messages
- Testing on Android

Much like video messages, WhatsApp is testing a fast shortcut for responding to voice notes. By tapping the small button, you can begin recording a quick reply. However, this option is only available while listening to a voice message from someone else in the chat. I’m uncertain about this feature since I can already swiftly respond to voice notes by swiping on them.
9. Online Counter for Group Chats
- Testing on Android
WhatsApp group chats have traditionally missed the feature to display how many members are presently online. However, an upcoming update appears set to change that. The app will soon indicate the count of active participants at the top of the chat screen. Keep in mind, though, that users who have concealed their online status will not be included in this tally.
10. Unified Status Updates Menu
- Testing on Android

The WhatsApp status page has evolved to include your Channels too. Consequently, the company might merge these features, enabling you to make status updates or channels directly from that section. As shown in the screenshot, pressing the New update button will present choices for Photo, Camera, Text, and New Channel.
Although I dislike this design, as it tends to confuse users. They may not immediately realize that they need to select the share update option to join new channels.
11. Connect AI to WhatsApp Business
- Testing on Android and iPhone

Artificial intelligence is generating significant excitement currently, and WhatsApp is well aware of its potential. To enhance the user experience for businesses, the platform is experimenting with a feature that allows business owners to integrate AI services into WhatsApp. This innovation will enable automated responses to customer inquiries when human staff are unavailable. To ensure honesty and clarity, customers will be informed that they are interacting with an AI chatbot.
12. Manage Playback Speed for Videos
- Testing on Android

To improve your video-watching experience on the app, WhatsApp is experimenting with a playback speed feature. This option appears beside the progress bar while you watch a video. By tapping on it, you can switch between speeds of 1.0x, 1.5x, and 2.0x. This allows you to quickly get through dull videos sent by family members who insist you watch them. The feature is currently in beta testing and might be available to all users in the future.
13. Share Content on Other Apps
- Testing on Android

Usually, we request photos from friends to post on Instagram, Facebook, or similar sites. But this involves downloading the photo first, then opening another app to upload it. WhatsApp simplifies this by enabling direct sharing of media or text with other apps. As shown in the screenshot, you can either share to other social media platforms or copy a link for the content. This feature will facilitate effortless sharing across different apps using WhatsApp.
14. Chat History Sync Progress
- Testing on iPhone
WhatsApp has enhanced the functionality of linked devices by enabling users to update their status and join channels. Additionally, it now provides information on the progress of chat history synchronization. This allows users to see how much of their chat history has been synced to the linked device and what still needs to be synced. While this is a small adjustment, it adds a layer of clarity for users.
15. Reverse Image Search On Desktop
- Testing on WhatsApp Web

Previously, we mentioned that WhatsApp is working on a Google-powered reverse image search feature integrated within the app. The company is now bringing this capability to the web version of their platform. Though it’s currently being tested, this function will allow users to search for images they receive directly, making it easier to spot fake news and fraudulent content.
We wrap up our review of new WhatsApp features for December 2024 and take a moment to say goodbye to this year. We’ve seen a multitude of innovative and exciting additions over the past year, and we’re hopeful that the WhatsApp team has even more intriguing updates in store for us next year. Share with us which feature you received from this list and what your favorite updates were this year in the comments below.