WhatsApp is still by far the most popular instant messaging app and now boasts a total of 600 million monthly users. Its popularity can be attributed to its usability and wide-ranging functionality, which it continues to improve with each new upgrade.
The latest update, version 2.11.9, is currently rolling out for iPhone users and brings with it a range of small but significant changes.
As part of the upgrade, conversations and group chats can now be individually archived by swinging horizontally in the Chats section and choosing the More icon followed by the Archive option.
You can also add captions to your photos via the image editing screen. A text box will now be located at the bottom of the image, allowing users to type in a relevant message.
WhatsApp has also added an in-app camera icon for a faster, more integrated photo-sharing experience. The two new visual features combined bring it closer to its rival Snapchat, which allows for in-app image and video capture and post-capture captions.
iPhone 5S users will benefit from an exclusive function that allows them to share slow-motion videos for the first time. All users will be able to now crop videos before sending them off.
Additional improvements have been made to location-sharing. WhatsApp users keen to show off their whereabouts can now choose to whether to display their position via a satellite or hybrid map. Furthermore, you can swipe around the map to change the location of your pin.
WhatsApp has not announced when these useful new upgrades will make it to Android.
The full list of improvements can be viewed below:
What’s New in Version 2.11.9
– Added ability to archive chats and groups
– Add captions to photos and videos
– Added fast camera access button for capturing and sending photos
– You can now share slow-motion videos (iPhone 5s only)
– You can now trim videos before sharing them
– Share Location: add support for satellite and hybrid map views when sharing a location
– Share Location: drop and drag pin lets you share a precise location
– New media auto-download preferences: Settings > Chat Settings > Media Auto-Download
– New Wallpapers: Settings > Chat Settings > Chat Wallpapers > Wallpaper Library
– New Notification tones: Settings > Notifications
– You can now attach screenshots when reporting problems