According to WABetaInfo (WBI), WhatsApp is developing voice and video calling for group chats for its web client users. The feature remains under development and is not yet available for beta testing, but would allow users to place group calls directly from WhatsApp Web. This development aims to bring the web client closer to the experience offered by the mobile and desktop apps, which means more users will be able to use WhatsApp Web for conference calling and several other work-related communication purposes. Currently, when users try to make a video call, WhatsApp Web prompts them to download the app; however, this may change once the feature is more widely rolled out.
Image: Wabetainfo blog Jan 19, 2026.
WABetaInfo reported that WhatsApp is also exploring the ability to generate call links from group chats and to schedule voice or video calls with a name, description and approximate start and end times. Scheduled calls would create events shared with participants rather than launching automatically. Participant limits for group calls have not been officially confirmed, and no release date has been announced.
Separately, as per WBI, WhatsApp has released version 26.1.74 of its iOS app through the App Store. The update’s official changelog lists a feature that displays clearer link previews in chats to make links easier to read. The clearer display applies only when a rich preview is generated and previews are not disabled. Availability may vary by user.
Note: This post was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed / fact-checked by a human editor.
Read next: Why people believe misinformation even when they’re told the facts
WABetaInfo reported that WhatsApp is also exploring the ability to generate call links from group chats and to schedule voice or video calls with a name, description and approximate start and end times. Scheduled calls would create events shared with participants rather than launching automatically. Participant limits for group calls have not been officially confirmed, and no release date has been announced.
Separately, as per WBI, WhatsApp has released version 26.1.74 of its iOS app through the App Store. The update’s official changelog lists a feature that displays clearer link previews in chats to make links easier to read. The clearer display applies only when a rich preview is generated and previews are not disabled. Availability may vary by user.
Note: This post was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed / fact-checked by a human editor.
Read next: Why people believe misinformation even when they’re told the facts
