WhatsApp Adds Voicemail Calls, Meta AI Images, and New Chat Features for Holidays

WhatsApp has announced a major feature rollout just in time for the holiday season, bringing multiple upgrades across calls, messaging, and artificial intelligence tools. After extensive testing through beta versions, these updates are now being introduced to a wider user base, with a complete rollout expected over the coming weeks.

The new features span several core areas of the app, including voice and video calls, voice chats, media management, and creative tools powered by Meta AI. Together, they aim to enhance communication, creativity, and convenience for users across platforms.

WhatsApp Voicemail Brings a Modern Take on Missed Calls

Leave Voice or Video Messages After Missed Calls

One of the most significant additions is the introduction of voicemail-style messages for missed calls. When a call goes unanswered, users can now instantly record a voice note or video message with a single tap, allowing the recipient to listen or watch it later.

This feature effectively integrates voicemail functionality directly into WhatsApp’s calling system, offering a seamless and more personal alternative to traditional missed-call notifications.

New Interactive Tools for Voice and Video Calls

Emoji Reactions Come to Voice Chats

WhatsApp has expanded interaction options in voice chats by adding support for emoji reactions. Users can now react in real time using emojis without interrupting the ongoing conversation, making group voice discussions more expressive and engaging.

Speaker Spotlight in Group Video Calls

Another notable enhancement is the upcoming video call spotlight feature. In group video calls, the active speaker will be automatically highlighted, making it easier for participants to follow conversations and identify who is speaking at any moment.

Meta AI Gets Creative Upgrades for the Festive Season

AI-Generated Images, Cards, and Short Videos

Meta AI within WhatsApp has received a creative boost with support for Midjourney and Flux-style image generation. Users can now create customised festive cards, holiday greetings, and creative visuals directly within the app.

In addition, Meta AI can now generate short videos from still images, provided users give the right prompt, opening up new possibilities for personalised content and storytelling.

Improved Media Management on Desktop and Web

New Media Tab for Faster Search

WhatsApp’s desktop, web, and Mac versions are also receiving a functional upgrade. A new media tab allows users to quickly search and filter documents, links, and shared media across conversations, making file retrieval significantly easier.

More Enhancements Rolling Out Gradually

Beyond these headline features, WhatsApp is also introducing improvements to link previews, sticker packs, and other chat tools. As with previous updates, the rollout will be gradual, meaning some users may receive the features earlier than others depending on device and region.

Conclusion

WhatsApp’s latest update reflects Meta’s broader push to make messaging more interactive, intelligent, and creative. With voicemail-style call messages, richer voice and video interactions, and powerful Meta AI tools for image and video creation, the platform is positioning itself as more than just a chat app. As these features roll out globally over the coming weeks, users can expect a more expressive and feature-rich communication experience this holiday season.