WhatsApp iOS New Features Include Reactions and Group Polls for Beta Users

Urian B., Tech Times 19 April 2022, 11:04 am

WhatsApp is adding new features for iOS users including a reactions feature and group polls. The app's beta version is expected to be made available soon providing Apple users with the ability to react and make polls.

WhatsApp Adds New Features Under New Beta Version

According to 9to5Mac, WhatsApp announced the addition of new features available under a new beta version. These features include reactions, group polls, even the ability to make communities with an increase in file size limitations.

The article by WABetaInfo stated that the WhatsApp beta version 22.9.0.71 will enable users to use a widely popular Messenger feature. The new Reactions feature allows users to use six different emojis as of the moment.

Available Emojis Under App's Beta Version 22.9.0.71

These reactions include a red heart, thumbs up, laughter, a sad face, a surprise face, and a "thanks" emoji. Upon future updates, the publication teased that the app will be making all emojis available when reacting to messages.

WhatsApp is finally integrating a feature that is closely following Instagram's Direct Messages allowing users to react to their messages. In order to use the new function, users will first need to make sure their app is updated.

How to React on Messages Through WhatsApp New Beta Version

Once users update their WhatsApp to beta version 22.9.0.71, they can then simply tap and hold a chat bubble in order to react to a message. As per WABetaInfo, for those that update to the beta version but still aren't able to access the react feature, it will still be made available in later versions.

The article notes that WhatsApp is now rolling out the reacts feature to more and more beta testers over the course of the upcoming weeks. On top of its reacts, the article by WABetaInfo also detailed how the group polls feature will work.

Reacts Was Also Available on WhatsApp Version 22.9.0.70

Although currently under development, the publication also detailed how the new feature will work with WhatsApp's second-latest version 22.9.0.70. One important highlight made by the publication is that poll results will be end-to-end encrypted.

Due to its encryption, nobody will be able to see the poll's content. This means that even WhatsApp won't have access to the results and options of the group polls.

When Did Meta Buy WhatsApp?

The features WhatsApp aims to add to its platform are already available on Messenger with some features like reacts available on Instagram's Direct Messages. This, however, isn't that surprising since Meta (formerly known as Facebook) owns all of these platforms.

Back in 2014, Facebook (now Meta) purchased WhatsApp for $19.8 billion according to Investopedia. To add, the founders received $4 billion in cash and $12 billion in Facebook shares while WhatsApp employees that stayed on board at Facebook received $3.6 billion in compensation.

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Written by Urian B.