WhatsApp Rolls Out New Features: How to Use Them Step by Step

Meta’s ubiquitous messaging platform, WhatsApp, is undergoing a significant evolution with the introduction of several key enhancements aimed at improving both communication efficiency and creative expression. The latest update, which is part of a series of releases, is introducing a highly anticipated voicemail-style feature for missed calls and substantial improvements to its AI integration. This guide breaks down the core additions and explains WhatsApp Rolls Out New Features and how to use them effectively.

1. Voicemail-Style Messages for Missed Calls

This is arguably the most impactful update for real-time communication, addressing a common user pain point: quickly leaving a context-specific message after a missed call without having to open a new chat window.

How to Use the Missed Call Message Feature

When a contact attempts to call you on WhatsApp and you miss it, you will now see a dedicated option integrated directly into the call interface.

1. Miss the Call: Wait until the incoming WhatsApp call ends or is declined.
2. Access the Prompt: A small pop-up or prompt will immediately appear on the call screen or within the call log. This prompt offers options, including “Record a Message” or “Send a Text Message.”
3. Record/Type: Tap the “Record a Message” option to instantly begin recording a voice note (similar to traditional voicemail but delivered as a WhatsApp voice message). Alternatively, you can tap to quickly send a pre-set or custom text message.
4. Instant Delivery: The recorded message or text is instantly sent to the contact who called you, providing a quick, contextual explanation or reply without the hassle of navigating back to the main chat screen.

READ ALSO: WhatsApp Prepares to Roll Out Usernames, Allows Early Handle Reservation

2. AI-Powered Image and Media Creation

WhatsApp is deeply integrating generative AI tools, moving beyond simple chatbot functions to allow users to create and customize media directly within the chat window.

How to Use the New AI Features

The new AI capabilities empower users to generate custom stickers and modify shared photos:

• Custom AI Stickers: Users can now describe the kind of sticker they want—such as “A cat wearing sunglasses riding a skateboard”—and the AI tool will generate several options based on the prompt. These stickers are entirely new and unique to the user’s request.
• AI Backdrop and Editing: The AI can now be used to modify the background or style of photos before they are sent. For example, a user could ask the AI to change the background of a photo to “a futuristic city” or apply a specific artistic filter.

3. Enhanced Messaging Organization and Search

The platform is also introducing subtle but powerful improvements to how users manage and find information within their vast message history.

• Improved Search Filters: The search functionality is becoming more robust, allowing users to filter messages not just by contact or date, but also by media type (e.g., searching specifically for “Photos from Sarah in March”).
• Threaded Replies in Group Chats: While available previously, the feature is being refined to make it easier to isolate and follow specific conversation threads within busy group chats, reducing confusion and improving context.

These updates reinforce WhatsApp’s transition from a basic communication tool to an integrated social media and AI-powered creative platform, setting a new standard for instant messaging service features.