WhatsApp now lets you reply to missed calls with instant voice or video notes

WhatsApp has introduced a broad set of updates aimed at sharpening communication tools across its platform as the holiday season nears. The most notable addition is Missed Call Messages, a feature that allows users to leave short voice or video notes when a call goes unanswered. The option appears on the call screen and attaches the note to the missed call itself, giving users a fast way to follow up without navigating back into the chat window. WhatsApp positions this as a modern take on voicemail, designed for users who want to relay information quickly when real time calls do not connect.

The company is also expanding the role of Meta AI inside WhatsApp. The service now uses upgraded image generation models drawn from Flux, Midjourney, and internal research, enabling more detailed and refined visuals. These improvements are aimed at users who want to create personalised holiday messages or share custom graphics in chats. WhatsApp has also added a tool that animates any photo into a short clip. Users can type a prompt that describes the intended motion, and the app generates an animation without requiring a separate editing application. This addition reflects Meta’s ongoing effort to fold creative AI tools directly into chat experiences.

WhatsApp has made further enhancements to calling features. Group video calls will now highlight whoever is speaking at any moment, improving clarity during conversations with multiple participants. Voice chats have gained lightweight reactions such as cheers, allowing users to express themselves without interrupting the flow. These reactions appear temporarily during the session and are designed for informal, real time feedback.

The update also brings organisational improvements to WhatsApp’s desktop version. A new media tab now gathers documents, images, videos, and links shared across chats, making it easier to locate older files. Link previews have been refined so webpages shared within conversations display with clearer cards, which helps users judge relevance at a glance.