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WhatsApp Messenger adds free VoIP calling, new sharing extension, more

WhatsApp Messenger, the popular cross-platform chatting service, released a major update to its iPhone app today introducing some long-rumored features and new ways to share content with friends and family…

The latest version of WhatsApp for iPhone adds a new voice calling feature that allows you to talk to any WhatsApp user around the world for free. Similar to Skype or FaceTime Audio, WhatsApp Calling uses an Internet connection (VoIP) rather than cellular phone service to make calls. The feature has been expected to come to the app since shortly after Facebook acquired the service last year; Facebook’s Messenger app for iPhone also has a similar feature. WhatsApp says the new calling feature will be rolling out over the new several weeks.

The new version also includes an iOS 8 sharing extension for sending content like photos, videos, and links to contacts on WhatsApp from other apps on the iPhone. You can see the full list of new features below:

What’s New in Version 2.12.1

• WhatsApp Calling: Call your friends and family using WhatsApp for free, even if they’re in another country. WhatsApp calls use your phone’s Internet connection rather than your cellular plan’s voice minutes. Data charges may apply. Note: WhatsApp Calling is rolling out slowly over the next several weeks.

• iOS 8 share extension: Share photos, videos, and links right to WhatsApp from other apps.

• Quick camera button in chats: Now you can capture photos and videos, or quickly choose a recent camera roll photo or video.

• Edit your contacts right from WhatsApp.

• Send multiple videos at once and crop and rotate videos before sending them.

WhatsApp Messenger with calling is rolling out now on the App Store.

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Comments

  1. ifunography - 9 years ago

    Finally something useful

    • Gil Hoffman - 9 years ago

      how come i updated but there is no phone calls

      • sar2607 - 9 years ago

        It says ‘WhatsApp calling is rolling out slowly over the next several weeks’

        The update didn’t work for me either, might get another update in the coming weeks.

    • Riya Bajaj - 9 years ago

      Can’t do calls too, any help?

  2. V.M. (@vice_cro) - 9 years ago

    and still no WhatsApp web for iPhone…..

    • Willy (@Willy_tr) - 9 years ago

      Telegram is way better, sadly whatsapp has 800 million active users that won’t change app

      • butskristof - 9 years ago

        Painfully true.. I’d prefer using Telegram but I just can’t ask that everyone I message also makes the transition. Telegram is a beautiful service, really.

  3. luckydcxx - 9 years ago

    If everyone just got an iPhone all international text and FaceTime/FaceTime Audio would be free and wouldn’t need a third party.

  4. Idglã Moura - 9 years ago

    Why to announce that what’s new in version 2.12.1 is that users will be able to “Call your friends… for free” when I’ve uploaded and still can’t do that. So that’s just a little lie to give people the sense that they’ve not been left out when that’s exactly what happened. I’d rather just wait for the full and complete functionality to come then to upgrade thinking that I’ve got something I don’t. That’s just stupid.

  5. Wael Tayara (@WaelT86) - 9 years ago

    I was able to receive calls but not make them … in the contacts menu I was able to call via whatsapp for once and then it disappeared :/

  6. Well I just updated v2.12.1 and I don’t think they are being clear about what’s going on. Does this mean that this version does not have the voice calling feature available yet? Because I cannot find it on my iPhone. What does “rolling out in the next few weeks” mean? Please clarify the dilemma.

  7. Ahmed Abdullah Kfair - 9 years ago

    I can receive a call from Android devices, but I can’t make one on my iPhone

  8. Mavusane Ncube - 9 years ago

    Still no quick reply

  9. Nycko Heimberg - 9 years ago

    And with Apple Watch ?

  10. philboogie - 9 years ago

    Lol at the ToS:

    8. Indemnity
    We don’t support or encourage illegal consumption of alcohol or tobacco, so there.

  11. George Benhur - 9 years ago

    hello,
    I need to know whether the whatsapp voice calling can be an example of voice over internet protocol or not…..please help me with this

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.