WhatsApp is upgrading photo sharing on iOS with support for Live Photos in their original format, available now to some beta testers through the latest TestFlight update (version 25.24.10.72). According to a report by WABetainfo, the feature is being currently tested in beta on iPhones.
Until now, Live Photos sent over WhatsApp were flattened into static images, stripping away the short video and sound that make them unique. The only workaround was to convert them into GIFs — but that sacrificed smooth motion, resolution, and audio. With the new update, Live Photos finally arrive in full form. A Live Photo icon appears on the thumbnail, and recipients can play back the motion and sound with a dedicated button. Even better, saving a Live Photo preserves it within the iOS Photos app, ensuring it doesn’t revert to a still.
As pr the report, c ross-platform support is also built in. When iOS users send a Live Photo to Android, it will appear as a Motion Photo. Conversely, Motion Photos shared from Android display as Live Photos on iOS. This closes the gap between the two ecosystems, delivering a consistent experience across devices.
Importantly, users remain in control. A new toggle in the gallery and editing sheet allows them to strip motion and send just a static image if preferred.
The feature is currently limited to select beta testers, but WhatsApp is expanding availability in stages. Some stable App Store users may already see it, with a wider rollout expected in the coming weeks.
For users, the update means memories captured on iPhone can now be relived and shared as intended — moving, sounding, and feeling more authentic than ever.
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