WhatsApp has announced an increase in the allowed number of participants for group video calls in its latest beta version for desktop users. Previously limited to 8 participants, the Meta-owned messaging platform is set to expand this capacity to 32 in an upcoming update for all desktop users. The company has also stopped supporting its older Electron-based desktop application, requiring Windows users to download the app via the Microsoft Store.
According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, this new capability, spotted in the beta version 2.2324.1.0 for Windows, enables users to initiate video calls with up to 32 people. While the current version allows for audio and video calls with groups of 32 and 8 participants respectively, the anticipated update will make this enhanced feature available to all users following the completion of beta testing.
Some users of the latest beta version may find prompts to start audio or video calls with groups of up to 32 individuals. However, not all participants in the beta program will receive this notification, indicating that it may be activated through a server-side rollout.
A recent report from WABetaInfo highlighted that support for the previous Electron-based WhatsApp Desktop app has been discontinued. Consequently, users of the old version will need to transition to the native app available in the Microsoft Store. The enhanced feature allowing video calls with up to 32 participants is expected to be incorporated into a future version of the new native app.
