WhatsApp has introduced a series of updates for iOS users, enhancing the functionality of its widely used messaging app. Among the new features is the ability to post voice status updates, which can be tailored with privacy settings for contacts. Additionally, a recent update enables users to detect and extract text from images directly within the app.
According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, iOS users can now record voice notes and use them as Status updates. To initiate a recording, users should navigate to the Status tab, click the pencil icon, and then press and hold the microphone icon to record their message.
Voice notes shared as Status updates are capped at 30 seconds, and users can also repurpose their existing voice notes from chats. This feature is available in the latest WhatsApp for iOS version 23.5.75, as highlighted by WABetaInfo.
In addition to the voice Status feature, the app now supports multitasking during WhatsApp calls without interrupting video playback, introduced in the 23.3.77 update. This version also brings the capability to identify and extract text from images, compatible with various recent iPhone models such as the iPhone XS and iPhone XR, operating on iOS 15 or later.
Users who have upgraded to WhatsApp for iOS 23.5.75 should also have access to this image text extraction feature. To use it, they can simply open an image containing text and should see a new button that allows them to select and copy the text directly from the image.
Meanwhile, the beta version 2.23.5.13 for Android has unveiled Unicode 15.0 emojis, which will provide 21 new emoji options, currently accessible only to beta testers.
Furthermore, WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new text editor feature for its drawing tool, which is expected to introduce various font styles and formatting options. This update seeks to enhance font selection by allowing users to tap available options on their keyboard, change text alignment, and format text within images, videos, and GIFs. Additionally, users will have the option to alter the color of the text background.
