WhatsApp rolls out new chat themes and web calling features

WhatsApp is rolling out significant updates to its platform, enhancing both user interface customization and communication flexibility.

On iPhone, a new update introduces an expanded chat theme selector. Users can now choose from five distinct categories: Featured, Nature, Live, Minimal, and Doodle. The most notable addition is the ‘Live’ category, which introduces animated backgrounds that feature subtle, slow-moving imagery to add dynamism to chat screens.

Additionally, WhatsApp has addressed long-standing limitations of its web client by enabling audio and video calls directly through WhatsApp Web. This allows users to initiate and receive calls from a browser without needing a mobile device. The update also supports call transferring, enabling users to move an ongoing group call between a mobile device and a desktop or web interface seamlessly.