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WhatsApp has launched an innovative feature that enhances the experience of connecting with others through live audio in group chats. The instant messaging platform, owned by Meta, now allows users to engage in a voice chat without needing to exit the group or switch to a separate voice call. Previously, this capability was limited to larger groups, but it has now been extended to all types of group chats. These voice conversations maintain the same end-to-end encryption as individual messages. WhatsApp has indicated that voice chats are accessible for groups of any size. To initiate a voice chat, participants can scroll to the bottom of the group chat and swipe up until the "Swipe up to chat" prompt appears. By holding for a few moments, users will see the "Release to talk" message followed by an option to "Connect," which activates the voice chat feature.

The Meta messaging service emphasizes that starting a voice chat will not alert or ring any members of the group chat. Individuals can enter or exit the voice chat at their discretion. The calls will remain pinned at the bottom of the chat interface for convenient access to controls. Additionally, new participants can join the voice chat at any time and check who else is already present. Upholding its strong privacy standards, WhatsApp ensures that voice chats are secured with the same end-to-end encryption as personal conversations and messages by default. The platform asserts that even it cannot access the content of these voice or chat messages. This feature is currently available on both Android and iOS versions of WhatsApp, though it may take a few days for all users to see it implemented.

This update follows the recent uncovering of various new features under development for WhatsApp, including options for choosing the quality of downloaded media, the ability to react to messages and media with stickers, and on-device message translation utilizing downloaded language packs.