WhatsApp iOS Beta Tests New Voice Call UI, Restores Media Bar

WhatsApp has started rolling out version 22.5.0.70 of its iOS beta through Apple’s TestFlight beta program.

According to WABetaInfo, the update most notably brings a new User Interface (UI) for voice calls and restores the scrollable recent images/videos bar in the app’s camera, which was removed in a previous update.

The new voice call UI has been in the works for a couple of months now and features a more modular design for group voice calls that even displays real-time voice waveforms for each participant.

Image: WABetaInfo

The new interface sports a similar redesign for normal one-on-one voice calls as well, and it even allows users to set wallpapers for the voice call screen (custom wallpaper functionality does not seem to be operational just yet, but should be enabled in a future update).

In beta version 22.4.0.72 for iOS, WhatsApp made several changes to the in-app camera. One of these changes was the removal of the scrollable recent media bar that was previously located right above the shutter button, much to the disappointment and disapproval of users.

Thankfully, WhatsApp listened to beta testers and version 22.5.0.70 brings the scrollable recent media bar back, restoring it to its rightful location.

Image: WABetaInfo

Recent beta updates have revealed that WhatsApp is also working on profile pictures for notifications on iOS, along with iMessage-like message reactions and support for background playback of voice notes on both iOS and Android.