Popular Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp this afternoon announced that the WhatsApp apps for iOS and Android devices now support group calling for voice and video.

WhatsApp users can make group calls with up to four people total by starting a one-on-one voice or video call and then tapping the "add participant" button in the top right corner of the app to add another contact to the call.

whatsappgroupcalling
WhatsApp says that its group calls are end-to-end encrypted and designed to work reliably around the world in a variety of different network conditions.

The feature, which was first announced by Facebook in May at its F8 developer event, is rolling out to iPhone and Android users and should be available to all users soon.

WhatsApp can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Tag: WhatsApp

Top Rated Comments

69Mustang Avatar
69Mustang
41 months ago
Not sure what's the point of WhatsApp these days since it doesn't seem to have much differentiating features compared to FB Messenger.
I don't understand your comment. Isn't WhatsApp the worlds most used messaging app?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
1050792 Avatar
1050792
41 months ago
Not sure what's the point of WhatsApp these days since it doesn't seem to have much differentiating features compared to FB Messenger.
Encrypted and private messaging should be enough.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ChrisMoBro Avatar
ChrisMoBro
41 months ago
A simple UI for group chat. Much nicer than Apple’s weird floating video rubbish.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
akash.nu Avatar
akash.nu
41 months ago
That's because it's tied to your mobile number, which the iPad doesn't have. You can use the web version on the iPad.
Tied to a mobile number is not an issue as you mentioned the web version works without the need of any phone number. As long as the WhatsApp server can verify which number the account is registered to, it should be able to provide access. They can potentially use exactly the same method of authentication as they do on web but for an iPad app. I think they’re not interested in an iPad app purely because of the user base and the numbers against the smartphones.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
verpeiler Avatar
verpeiler
41 months ago
Not sure what's the point of WhatsApp these days since it doesn't seem to have much differentiating features compared to FB Messenger.
Doesn't matter at all because realistically you just use what your friends use. In the US, nobody uses WhatsApp. In other countries, they do, sometimes because their restricted Internet plans don't allow anything else.
Quite simple, many people aren't (or weren't) on Facebook when WhatsApp reached it's critical mass (which is essential to even have a chance as a "platform"). Since you can use it with just a phone number and nothing else it is easy to set up and just works.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
69Mustang
41 months ago
Other than the difference of phone numbers/fb accounts though, there are hardly any outstanding differences. Facebook could easily have folded one app into the other and I doubt anyone would complain.
You really think that? Look at this heat map and it's associated data ('https://www.similarweb.com/blog/mobile-messaging-app-map-2018'). Tell me again how you doubt anyone would complain. WA is the most popular app in 104 countries. FBM is the most popular in 64. Seriously, how much complaining do you think would happen if you told people in 1 country they're messaging platform is being folded into another? Now, multiply that by 100. If by this point, you still think the same way...
Blue - Facebook Messenger Green - WhatsApp Red - WeChat
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Top Stories

calculatorapp

iOS 11 Bug: Typing 1+2+3 Quickly in the Calculator App Won't Get You 6

Tuesday October 24, 2017 2:03 pm PDT by
A bug in the built-in Calculator app in iOS 11 is getting some major attention this week, despite the fact that it's been around since iOS 11 was in beta testing. At issue is a calculator animation that causes some symbols to be ignored when calculations are entered in rapid succession. You can try it for yourself: Type 1+2+3 and then the equals sign into the Calculator app quickly. Due to...
Read Full Article • 346 comments
gradiente iphone white

Brazilian Electronics Company Revives Long-Running iPhone Trademark Dispute

Tuesday May 19, 2020 1:06 pm PDT by
Apple has been involved in a long-running iPhone trademark dispute in Brazil, which was revived today by IGB Electronica, a Brazilian consumer electronics company that originally registered the "iPhone" name in 2000. IGB Electronica fought a multi-year battle with Apple in an attempt to get exclusive rights to the "iPhone" trademark, but ultimately lost, and now the case has been brought to...
Read Full Article • 70 comments
original iphone

Phil Schiller Says iPhone Was 'Earth-Shattering' Ten Years Ago and Remains 'Unmatched' Today

Monday January 9, 2017 7:15 am PST by
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the iPhone, Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller sat down with tech journalist Steven Levy for a wide-ranging interview about the smartphone's past, present, and future. The report first reflects upon the iPhone's lack of support for third-party apps in its first year. The argument inside Apple was split between whether the iPhone should be a closed...
Read Full Article • 424 comments
iphone 12 colors 2021

iPhone 12 Colors: Deciding on The Right Color

Thursday November 5, 2020 8:35 am PST by
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro arrived last October in a range of color options, with entirely new hues available on both devices, as well as some popular classics. The 12 and 12 Pro have different color choices, so if you have your heart set on a particular shade, you might not be able to get your preferred model in that color. iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12...
Read Full Article
iPhone 13 Dummy Thumbnail 2

Full iPhone 13 Feature Breakdown: Everything Rumors Say We Can Expect

Tuesday August 31, 2021 7:50 am PDT by
With the launch of Apple's iPhone 13 lineup believed to be just a few weeks away, we have compiled all of the coherent rumors from our coverage over the past year to build a full picture of the features and upgrades coming to the company's new smartphones. For clarity, only explicit improvements, upgrades, and new features compared to the iPhone 12 lineup are listed. It is worth noting that...
Read Full Article • 97 comments
omg lightning cable comparison

Security Researcher Develops Lightning Cable With Hidden Chip to Steal Passwords

Thursday September 2, 2021 6:59 am PDT by
A normal-looking Lightning cable that can used to steal data like passwords and send it to a hacker has been developed, Vice reports. The "OMG Cable" compared to Apple's Lightning to USB cable. The "OMG Cable" works exactly like a normal Lightning to USB cable and can log keystrokes from connected Mac keyboards, iPads, and iPhones, and then send this data to a bad actor who could be over a...
Read Full Article • 153 comments
macbook air deals

Deals: Amazon Drops Price of 256GB M1 MacBook Air to New Low of $849.99 ($149 Off)

Friday August 27, 2021 6:16 am PDT by
Amazon today introduced new low prices on the M1 MacBook Air for both 256GB and 512GB storage options. To start, you can get the 256GB model for $849.99, down from an original price of $999.00. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Only Silver and Gold are...
Read Full Article • 28 comments
maxresdefault

New MacBook Pro Models Coming at WWDC, Suggests Leaker

Monday May 24, 2021 1:27 pm PDT by
New MacBook Pro models are coming at WWDC, according to leaker Jon Prosser who has a mixed track record when it comes to predicting Apple's plans. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Prosser provided no additional information, but there are new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in the works. The new MacBook Pros will feature the most radical redesign to the MacBook Pro ...
Read Full Article • 448 comments
M1X MBP Feature

Leaker: Upcoming MacBook Pro to See Price Hike Over Current Model, Equal Performance Across 14 and 16-Inch Sizes

Tuesday August 24, 2021 5:28 am PDT by
The upcoming 14-inch MacBook Pro is set to be more expensive than the current 13-inch MacBook Pro and both the 14 and 16-inch models will offer the same performance, according to the leaker known as "Dylandkt." The leaker shared the information on Twitter, explaining that both of the upcoming MacBook Pro models, expected to come in 14 and 16-inch sizes, will feature the same performance due...
Read Full Article • 398 comments
iPhone 13 Dummy Thumbnail 2

Kuo: iPhone 13 to Feature LEO Satellite Communications to Make Calls and Texts Without Cellular Coverage

Sunday August 29, 2021 7:39 am PDT by
The iPhone 13 will feature low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication connectivity to allow users to make calls and send messages in areas without 4G or 5G coverage, according to the reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a note to investors, seen by MacRumors, Kuo explained that the iPhone 13 lineup will feature hardware that is able to connect to LEO satellites. If enabled with the relevant...
Read Full Article • 295 comments