WhatsApp has rolled out a new update for iOS that introduces multiple features designed to improve the way iPhone users share media and manage conversations. The biggest addition is support for Live Photos, but the update also includes group search enhancements and a built-in document scanner.
iPhone users can now send and receive Live Photos directly in chats. This means photos captured with Apple’s “live” mode will retain both motion and audio, offering the same press-and-hold experience available in the Photos app and iMessage. Until now, WhatsApp converted Live Photos into videos or GIFs, stripping away the native feel.
In addition to Live Photos, the update includes two other practical improvements. A new “Groups in Common” feature lets users search for a contact and instantly see all the group chats they share, making it easier to find conversations when group names are forgotten. The update also adds a document scanning tool, which allows users to scan paper documents with the iPhone’s camera and send them directly within WhatsApp. This streamlines sharing official paperwork, receipts, or notes without needing a separate app.
Here’s what’s new in this version of WhatsApp for iOS:
-
Live and Motion Photos: iPhone Live Photos now play with movement and sound when shared in chats.
-
Groups in Common: search for a contact’s name to quickly find every group you share with them.
-
Document scanning: scan and send physical documents directly into WhatsApp conversations.
These changes highlight WhatsApp’s ongoing effort to close the feature gap between itself and Apple’s iMessage, while also adding unique tools to boost productivity. The addition of Live Photos is especially notable for iPhone owners who previously avoided sending them through WhatsApp due to loss of motion. With group search and document scanning now available, the app is becoming more versatile for both casual and professional use.
