WhatsApp picture-in-picture mode for video calls has begun testing for Apple iPhones.

Given that, when is WhatsApp's picture-in-picture mode going to be widely available on iPhones? The tech giant has announced its potential release timeline. But for now, it is still under its testing phase on iOS.

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In this photo illustration taken on November 6, 2020, a user updates Facebook's WhatsApp application on his mobile phone in Mumbai.

WhatsApp Picture-in-Picture Mode for Video Calls on Apple iPhones

As per the latest report by The Verge, the giant messaging service is now testing out its picture-in-picture mode for iPhones.

WhatsApp announced in its latest blog post that "Picture in Picture on iOS" is now in its beta testing. It further explains that this feature should let users "easily multitask while on a call."

The new mode would allow users to do other tasks while on a video call. And as such, they could check their messages or browse Instagram or Twitter while catching up with someone. It is a pretty handy feature that WhatsApp iOS users are missing out on.

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A picture taken on November 11, 2021 in Moscow shows the US instant messaging software Whatsapp's logo on a tablet screen.

The Verge reports that this video call mode has long been available to WhatsApp users on Android.

Although the Cupertino-based tech giant launched picture-in-picture for iOS 14, the Meta-owned messenger failed to support it. But that is about to change soon.

One of the apps that supports picture-in-picture on iOS is YouTube. However, the video-sharing platform only offers this multitasking function to its paying users. As such, you need a Premium subscription to get your hands on it.

Launching This 2023 on iOS?

The blog post of the messaging service went on to reveal that the multitasking mode is rolling out next year, or in 2023, to be more exact. It should be one of the things to look forward to for the new year.

According to a recent report by XDA Developers, the picture-in-picture on WhatsApp on iOS is being released for free. Given that, it would not require users to pay for a subscription plan to start minimizing their video calls.

Instead, users only have to download the iOS app. And once the feature has started widely rolling out next year, they could start using it.

In fact, Android users have been using this feature without any strings attached.

Read Also: WhatsApp Hack: Threat Actor is Reportedly Selling 487 Million Mobile Numbers From Users Worldwide

Things to Expect Next Year

WhatsApp revealed in its blog that more is in store for the upcoming year. The post disclosed that they are "making improvements next year."

Besides the arrival of picture-in-picture, new features are coming our way.

The Verge notes, citing the report of WA Beta Info, that the messaging service is now working on its View Once feature for texts. If this holds true, the expansion might see the light of day next year.

Related Article: WhatsApp is Reportedly Adding 'View Once' Feature Soon on Android