WhatsApp Working on New Audio Chats Feature: Report

WhatsApp's new "audio chats" feature for Android phones is reportedly in the works, according to the latest report. The new function was spotted by WABetaInfo in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.7.12.

The report claims that audio chats will be rolled out in a "future update" of the popular messaging app. While WhatsApp hasn't released a statement about the new feature, there's some speculation about it, thanks to the screenshots shared by the publication.

WhatsApp Audio Chats

The image includes a new "waveform" icon at the top of the chat. Selecting it opens up two options - "Open audio chat" and "Call group." The new option could allow users to switch between audio and text chats.

The screenshot also shows a red disconnect icon for hanging up ongoing calls on top of the chat header, with empty space to its left. According to the report, the space could be used to display audio waveforms in real time.

The publication adds that audio chats are currently under development and are only available in beta. A stable version will likely be released soon for all users in a future update.

View Once Audio

WhatsApp is also developing a feature that will allow users to send audio messages that can only be played once. This option was spotted on the WhatsApp beta Android 2.23.7.8.

Currently, the messaging app includes support for videos and photos that can be opened only once. The Meta-owned platform is reportedly extending this feature to texts and audio as well.

As seen in the screenshot, the audio is accompanied by a symbol which suggests that it can be played only once. To recall, view once photos and videos on WhatsApp also have the same symbol.

Such "view once" media cannot be forwarded, saved, or recorded, thus making the chat more secure. According to the report, view once audio is under development and hasn't been released to beta testers yet. It will likely be rolled out to all users in a future update.

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