WhatsApp has announced a series of updates for its iOS and Android apps, focusing on storage management, account switching, and new AI-powered editing tools.
Dual Accounts and Easier Transfers
iPhone users can now run two WhatsApp accounts on a single device, a feature that was previously exclusive to Android (we saw this leak in the beta last fall). This allows users to juggle work and personal accounts without carrying two phones. To help distinguish between the two, profile pictures are now visible in the bottom tab of the app. This has been a long awaited feature for iPhone users.
The company has also simplified the process of switching phones. WhatsApp now supports direct chat history transfers from iOS to Android, in addition to same-platform moves.
Storage and File Management
New tools have been added to help users manage their storage without losing their entire chat history. Users can now find and delete large files within specific chats by tapping the chat name and selecting Manage Storage. Additionally, when clearing a chat, there is now an option to delete only the media files while keeping the text messages intact.
Apple really needs an easier way to delete large attachments from Messages to free up iCloud storage and backups like this.
AI Photo Editing and Writing Tools
WhatsApp is integrating Meta AI directly into the chat interface. Users can now use AI to touch up photos before sending them, with options to remove objects, swap backgrounds, or change the image style.
The app is also introducing AI Writing Help, which can draft suggested responses based on the context of a conversation. WhatsApp says these features are designed to keep conversations private.
Sticker Suggestions
To speed up messaging, the app will now suggest relevant stickers as you type emojis. This allows for a quick swap from a standard emoji to a larger sticker that matches the intended mood.
These features are currently rolling out and will be available to all global users shortly.
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