Everything to know about WhatsApp’s new missed call messages and related features
By Steve Ireri, December 14, 2025WhatsApp has introduced a series of new updates for its Android and iPhone users, including the missed call messages feature, improvements to voice and video calls, new tools for AI-generated images, and interactive elements for Status and Channels.
The updates are designed to provide users with additional ways to manage communications and engage with content across the platform.
The missed call messages feature allows users to leave a short voice or video note when they are unable to answer a call.
Recipients can then access these messages later, reducing the reliance on traditional voicemail. The feature is available with a single tap and adapts to the type of call, whether voice or video.
For voice chats, WhatsApp has added a function that allows participants to send reactions during ongoing conversations. This means users can respond with emojis or simple acknowledgements without interrupting the flow of discussion.
In group video calls, a new speaker spotlight function automatically prioritises the active speaker on screen, making it easier for participants to identify who is talking.
AI-powered features
WhatsApp has also introduced updates to its AI-powered image features. Users can generate higher-quality images through improved Meta AI models, which now incorporate capabilities from Midjourney and Flux. This can be used for creating custom images or festive content in chats and Status updates.
In addition, photos can now be animated into short videos to add motion and visual interest in conversations or Status posts.
The platform has enhanced the desktop experience as well. A new media tab allows users to search for documents, links, and other media across all chats in one place, simplifying file retrieval on Mac, Windows, and Web platforms. Link previews have also been streamlined to reduce clutter, making long URLs appear shorter and easier to read within chat threads.
In the Status and Channels sections, users can now add more interactive content.
New stickers, music lyrics, and question prompts can be included in Status updates, allowing for greater engagement from friends and followers. Channel administrators can also create real-time questions to interact with audiences and collect responses more efficiently.
Overall, these updates introduce additional tools for managing calls, chats, media, and audience interaction, while providing users with options to leave messages, react in real-time, and organise content more effectively.