WhatsApp pushes out free call upgrade for all iPhone and Android users

If you spend a lot of time on WhatsApp calls, listen up. Whether you use WhatsApp for your personal or business communications, the Meta-owned app for iPhone and Android is getting a fresh update that the firm says makes group calls easier to plan.

Just like you might invite people to an online video meeting with an emailed calendar invitation, WhatsApp will soon let you schedule voice or video calls for a future time within the app, letting you invite participants. The update is rolling out across various WhatsApp platforms now.

WhatsApp will then display all your upcoming calls in the existing Calls tab, as well as show a list of the invitees and shareable call links.

WhatsApp said in a press release that the app will send you a notification to remind you of upcoming calls.

This update could be handy if you are having a catch up with a friend, particularly if they live in a different time zone. Sending out the invite should put paid to miscalculations on time differences, but the schedule function could also simply help those of us who often forget to log on to a video call at the best of times.

If this all seems too organised to you, fair enough. But WhatsApp is also pitching this as a function that could be used for meetings with colleagues, handy if you have a WhatsApp account connected to your work number.

Regular group WhatsApp voice and video call users might also be pleased to learn that’s not the only update coming to the app.

“We’ve also introduced new ways for users to express themselves on group calls,” WhatsApp said. “Now you can raise your hand to indicate you’d like to speak, or send a reaction to take part without interrupting.”

"Scheduled calls is available on iOS, Android, Mac and iPad," a WhatsApp spokesperson told Express.co.uk. "Reactions and Raised Hands is available in group calls on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and iPad, and in 1:1 calls on iOS and Android."

This is another step on WhatsApp’s path to copy the tools present in rival online calling apps such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. I’m not sure I have a group of friends where it would be necessary to raise a virtual hand in order to speak (though maybe we should trial it so everyone gets a word in), but again this seems like an update geared towards a professional setting.

“As always, your personal calls on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption,” WhatsApp said.

“We hope these features help make calls even more fun and productive. We look forward to hearing what you think.”