- WhatsApp will now allow users to be on video calls even after minimising the app
- Video calls will appear in floating windows when the app is minimised
- The latest update also allows users to add captions to documents shared on it
WhatsApp, Meta’s popular communications app, has added a new, much awaited feature that will allow iPhone users to be on a video call on the app, while doing other things on their phone as well. According to reports, the latest version of WhatsApp that is being rolled out to users right now finally brings support for picture in picture (PiP) mode for video calls. The latter refers to the app switching to a small floating window that shows participants of a video call, while keeping the user’s camera active too, even when the user exits the app and uses another service in the middle of a call.
How WhatsApp PiP video call works
In order to make the most of the feature, users will simply need to ensure that their WhatsApp on iPhones is updated to the latest version, i.e. 23.3.77. The new version is the one that carries support for PiP mode for video calls — a feature that other services such as FaceTime has had for nearly three years now. Apple added PiP video support on their operating system in 2020, enabling video streaming in a floating window, as well as video calls in floating windows.
PiP mode, to be sure, is an important multitasking feature since it does not restrict a user from using other services, while on a call.
Other key features added as part of this new WhatsApp update include the ability for users to add written captions when sharing documents — a feature that was so far only available for sharing images and videos. The new version of the app also allows longer group descriptions, and the ability for users to create stickers and their own avatar on the platform — a feature that Meta had unveiled in December last year.
