WhatsApp is still the world’s most popular messaging service with recent stats suggesting it now has over 1.5billion users across the planet.
Along with being easily accessible across numerous platforms, one major reason why WhatsApp’s user numbers continue to grow are the regular updates that get released throughout the year.
Although there’s no confirmation on what’s coming in 2019 there are plenty of rumours that this could be a big year for the app.
So, if you’re a huge fan of WhatsApp here’s what to expect on your phone this year.
DARK MODE
It’s the feature many have been waiting for and it could be arriving soon.
There have been numerous sightings and hints that a Dark Mode will be coming to WhatsApp which will transform the way it looks on your smartphone screen.
Many other firms, including Apple and Google, have released versions of their software with a dark colour scheme and Facebook is also thought to be bringing this option to its Messenger.
With WhatsApp also owned by the social media giant, it would make sense for them to follow soon so watch this space.
IMPROVED SECURITY
WhatsApp has always been very clear about its end-to-end encryption which keeps every message you send safe.
But what happens if someone gets hold of your phone when it happens to be unlocked?
It’s thought a new feature could soon be unveiled which would mean users would have to touch their phone’s fingerprint scanner or use their facial unlock to access WhatsApp.
It’s unclear when, or if, this will be pushed out to users but it could help to make things far more secure in the future.
VOICE MESSAGES
Since WhatsApp first revealed its voice message feature it’s become hugely popular.
This option allows users to press the microphone icon in a chat and record a short message which can then be heard by the contact they are in touch with.
It’s thought that users will soon get the ability to send consecutive voice messages with WhatsApp automatically queuing them to be sent after one another.
GROUP VIDEO CALLS
Apple has done it and now WhatsApp could follow soon.
Group FaceTime was unveiled by Apple last year and allows up to 32 people to join a video call at the same time.
WhatsApp has released something similar but its group calls currently only allow three people to join a chat at once.
With Google also recently announcing its Duo app will now allow up to eight people to chat at once it would make sense for a WhatsApp upgrade which
EASIER VIDEO VIEWING AND RANK YOUR CONTACTS
WhatsApp has already made it better to view YouTube videos via its picture-in-picture update but things could get even better.
It’s thought that this option, which allows you to watch videos and chat at the same time, will soon be available on all video media you send to friends.
Along with the better video viewing, it’s also thought WhatsApp could soon rank your contacts by how often you chat to them.
This would mean those who you talk to on a regular basis would appear higher up your address list.