New WhatsApp update gives voice calls the refresh you've been waiting for

WhatsApp China VPN
(Image credit: DenPhotos / Shutterstock.com)

WhatsApp is testing a new look for being in a call, both on iOS and Android, which shows who's speaking in a group call with waveforms, alongside a more modern design.

The company has been working on improvements across the app for the last year, with multi-device support, a desktop app for Windows 11, and more to better rival other messaging apps.

But calling in WhatsApp has been relegated to the standard user interface of what iOS and Android offer to third-party apps with call features.

However, version 22.5.0.70, currently available to beta testers, the new look for calling in the app is going to benefit group calls more than those that are one-to-one.


Analysis: Making your voice calls look much better

WhatsApp audio wave form call

(Image credit: WABetaInfo)

For years, the interface when you're in a call on iOS and Android has barely seen any improvement since their first versions. While iOS 14 brought a compact view for when you would be in a call, the full-screen view has been relatively unchanged.

More users are preferring to choose to call over other apps, from WhatsApp to Skype, especially with group calls, which is why an update to the interface for WhatsApp is welcome.

Here, you've got an elegant design that shows who's speaking thanks to the audio waveforms for when someone speaks, alongside three options that's available to you at all times if you want to go on mute, end the call, or go on loudspeaker.

It's a modern design that only goes to show how much of an update the call screen in iOS and Android needs, especially for group calls.

Via WABetaInfo

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Daryl Baxter
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Daryl is a freelance writer and author of two books—The Making of Tomb Raider and 50 Years of Boss Fights. A third book, the follow up to ‘Tomb Raider’, comes out in 2026. Having worked at TechRadar previously as a software writer from 2021 to 2023, Daryl understands how software can benefit users, as well as having an interest in how accessibility features can benefit others.

With over a decade of experience, his work has been featured in Tom’s Guide, SUPERJUMP, Pocket Tactics, Radio Times, The Escapist, and more.