WhatsApp continues to add new features aimed at making messaging, calling, customization and account security easier for users. In 2026, the platform has introduced several useful updates, while some new features are still being tested before a wider rollout.

From customizable chat themes to WhatsApp Web calling and new AI tools, here are some of the latest WhatsApp features users should know about.

1. New Chat Themes Are Coming to Android

One of the latest WhatsApp updates focuses on chat customization.

WhatsApp is rolling out a redesigned chat theme experience for Android, with five categories: Featured, Nature, Live, Minimal and Doodle.

The new system also includes separate wallpaper categories, giving users more control over how individual conversations look. WhatsApp can automatically adjust chat bubble colors to maintain readability with the selected theme.

The feature is currently being rolled out to some Android beta testers, so it may not be available to everyone yet.

2. WhatsApp Is Testing Offline Voice-to-Text

Another interesting development is an upcoming voice-to-text feature.

WhatsApp is testing a feature that allows users to speak their message and have it converted into written text instead of sending a voice recording.

The particularly interesting part is that the feature is designed to work without an active internet connection. WhatsApp can use locally downloaded language packs to process the voice input on the device.

The feature is still under development, meaning regular users may have to wait before it becomes widely available.

3. WhatsApp Web Now Supports Voice and Video Calls

WhatsApp has also expanded calling capabilities on computers.

Users can now make and receive one-to-one and group audio and video calls directly through WhatsApp Web, without needing to install a separate desktop application.

WhatsApp has also introduced features such as call transfer and background-noise suppression to improve the calling experience.

For people who use WhatsApp for work, university or business communication, the ability to call directly from a browser can be particularly useful.

4. Two WhatsApp Accounts on iPhone

WhatsApp has expanded its multiple-account functionality to iOS.

Users can now keep two WhatsApp accounts logged in on the same iPhone, similar to the functionality that has been available on Android.

This can be useful for people who maintain separate personal and professional numbers because they no longer need to switch between phones simply to access two accounts.

5. Easier Chat Storage Management

WhatsApp has also introduced improved storage-management tools.

Users can now find and remove large files directly from individual chats through the Manage Storage option. This allows people to clear unnecessary photos, videos and other media without deleting the entire conversation.

This could be particularly useful for users whose phones frequently run out of storage because of large WhatsApp media files.

6. AI Can Help Edit Photos Before Sending

Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of WhatsApp.

Meta has introduced AI-powered photo editing that can help users remove distracting elements, change backgrounds or apply different visual styles before sending an image in a chat.

WhatsApp has also expanded its AI Writing Help feature, which can suggest responses based on a conversation while keeping the chat itself private. Meta notes that some AI features may not be available to all users.

Meta is also expanding AI capabilities across WhatsApp and its other platforms, including newer image-generation tools.

7. Passkeys Make WhatsApp Accounts More Secure

Account security has also received significant attention in 2026.

WhatsApp says more than one billion people now use passkeys. Passkeys allow users to verify their identity through methods such as a fingerprint, Face ID or their device’s screen lock instead of relying solely on verification codes.

WhatsApp has also strengthened two-step verification by moving from a six-digit PIN to a longer password format that can include letters, numbers and special characters.

8. WhatsApp Is Making Event Planning Easier

WhatsApp is also testing an Events hub that allows users to create and manage events from a central location.

The feature can include information such as the event name, date, time, location and call link. Hosts can also manage invitations and see responses from guests.

The feature is currently being tested among some Android beta users and has not yet been released to everyone.

What WhatsApp Users Should Know

Not every feature announced or spotted during testing is immediately available to everyone.

Some updates are being gradually rolled out, while others are still limited to beta testers. Availability can also vary depending on the device, operating system and WhatsApp version.

Users should therefore keep WhatsApp updated through their official app store if they want access to new features as they become available.

Final Thoughts

WhatsApp’s 2026 updates show that the app is moving beyond basic messaging and calling.

Customization features are giving users more control over their chats, while AI tools are adding new ways to edit photos and write messages. At the same time, improvements to calling, storage management and account security are addressing everyday problems faced by users.

For now, some of the newest features remain in testing, but WhatsApp’s continued development suggests that more changes could arrive for Android and iPhone users in future updates.