WhatsApp is actively working on enhancing the overall user experience for Android users by testing a series of new features focused on better call control, privacy, and user interaction. These upgrades are part of the app’s ongoing evolution and have been spotted in beta version 2.25.10.16 of WhatsApp for Android. Currently being tested by a limited number of beta users, these features promise to improve both functionality and security, while also adding new ways to interact during conversations.
One of the most practical additions is the mute microphone option for incoming voice calls, which appears directly in the notification panel. This feature allows users to answer a call with the microphone muted from the start—without needing to open the app or navigate in-call settings. This small but impactful change can be incredibly useful in various situations, such as when a user is in a crowded place, attending a meeting, or simply prefers to listen before engaging. It gives users the ability to stay connected without being forced to speak immediately or risk background noise disrupting the call.
Another key improvement targets video calls, which are becoming increasingly common across both personal and professional communication. WhatsApp is introducing an option that allows users to turn off their camera before answering a video call. This feature helps those who may need a few moments to prepare themselves before appearing on screen. It also adds a protective layer of privacy, especially when answering video calls from unknown contacts or in situations where showing one’s face is not appropriate or preferred. This change aligns with a growing demand for more user control over how and when they are visible during digital communication.
To add a more expressive and engaging element to video chats, WhatsApp is also introducing real-time emoji reactions during video calls. With this feature, users can respond instantly using visual reactions, similar to the emoji response tools on video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. Whether it's a quick thumbs-up, a heart, a laugh, or another emoji, this feature allows users to communicate emotions non-verbally, enhancing the social aspect of video calls without interrupting the conversation.
Beyond call improvements, WhatsApp is also working on an important update related to media privacy. Traditionally, any photo or video sent via WhatsApp would be automatically downloaded and saved to the recipient’s device, unless auto-download settings were disabled. However, this has often raised privacy and data security concerns, especially in situations where users share sensitive or personal content.
To address this, WhatsApp is now testing a media auto-save control feature, giving senders the ability to decide whether the content they share can be stored by the recipient. This new toggle will work similarly to the existing Disappearing Messages setting, and it introduces more flexibility and consent around media sharing. By letting users prevent automatic downloads on the other end, WhatsApp is giving people more ownership over their shared content. It’s a potentially significant shift, particularly in group chats, professional exchanges, or when sharing temporary or confidential information.
This development is especially relevant in today’s world, where data privacy is increasingly scrutinized and users are more conscious about where and how their shared files are stored. With the ability to restrict media from being saved by recipients, WhatsApp helps reduce risks like accidental forwarding, unauthorized storage, or exposure of private files on devices with poor security settings.
Although these features are still under development and available only to select beta testers, they represent a broader effort by WhatsApp to provide a more secure, user-friendly, and personalised communication experience. The official release timeline has not yet been announced, but based on past rollouts, these features are expected to become publicly available in the near future after comprehensive testing and feedback collection.
Once available for all Android users, these changes could further solidify WhatsApp’s position as one of the leading messaging platforms globally, especially in markets like India, where privacy, performance, and flexibility are increasingly valued.
