13. Group calls, option to switch between video and voice calls

WhatsApp is reportedly working to introduce group voice and video calls on the chat platform, as well as testing the option to switch between call types. The WhatsApp v2.17.70 beta for iPhone update has code references to group calls - while group voice calls were referenced multiple times, there was only one mention of group video calls. An option to switch between voice calls and video calls without hanging up was spotted in November; the other party will have to agree to change the call type for the change to take effect in-call. The option for picture-in-picture (PIP) video calls also surfaced on WhatsApp this year, and going by leaked screenshots, it will allow users to continue chatting with others even as they partake in calls.

14. Live location sharing

WhatsApp launched live location sharing feature in October, allowing its 1 billion users to track their friends and families in real time. The live location can be shared in both individual chats as well as groups, and works even when WhatsApp is not being used actively. There's a 'Live Until' option that allows users to restrict how long they want others' to track them (maximum up to 8 hours).  A new option in your Account Privacy settings will give you an overview of all WhatsApp chats you are sharing your live location in at the time.

15. Verified accounts

WhatsApp verified profiles have been launched for businesses in an effort to make it easier for consumers to authenticate the identity of companies reaching out to them. These companies will have a green badge with white tick mark next to their names, and the chats with them will be denited with yellow messages. Moreover, users will not be delete their messages

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