WhatsApp for iOS Now Supports Live Photos
▼ Summary
– Meta has officially confirmed WhatsApp now supports Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android, allowing users to share animated moments with sound.
– The feature is still rolling out, with some iOS users reporting they can receive but not yet send Live Photos.
– Live Photos animate briefly when sent or received and include audio playback when tapped, similar to the iOS photo album experience.
– Meta AI enables users to create custom chat themes and unique video call backgrounds, though these features may not be available to all users.
– Additional updates include new sticker packs, easier group search by finding common contacts, and document scanning on Android matching iPhone functionality.
WhatsApp for iOS has officially gained the ability to share Live Photos, a feature that brings brief animated moments to your conversations. Meta has confirmed this update, which allows iPhone users to send and receive these dynamic images complete with sound, mirroring the experience found in the native iOS Photos app. This enhancement means the photos you share can now capture more of the life from the original moment.
The rollout of Live Photos compatibility is still in progress across the user base. While many can now enjoy the feature, some iOS subscribers report they can receive these animated pictures but cannot yet send them themselves. When you view a Live Photo within WhatsApp, a small indicator appears in the top-left corner. A simple tap plays the short animation along with the audio that was recorded when the picture was taken.
This development was part of a broader announcement from Meta detailing several improvements that have been introduced to the platform over recent months. A key highlight is the parity between iOS and Android, with Live Photos on iPhone and Motion Photos on Android now fully supported. This allows all users to share more vibrant memories with movement and sound.
Beyond animated pictures, the update includes a suite of other features designed to improve the user experience. You can now leverage Meta AI to generate custom chat themes, offering a new way to personalize your conversations, though availability for these AI tools may vary. New expressive sticker packs, such as ‘Fearless Bird’ and ‘Vacation,’ have been added to help you communicate feelings visually.
Finding specific group chats has also become simpler. Instead of trying to recall a creatively named group, you can just search for a contact you know is a member, and WhatsApp will show you all the groups you share with that person. For Android users, document scanning is now integrated directly into the app, a function that was previously exclusive to iPhone. This lets you scan, crop, and send documents without leaving WhatsApp.
Additionally, Meta AI can now be used to create unique backgrounds for your video calls, placing you in a virtual environment of your choice. This AI-powered background feature is also accessible when you are taking photos and videos directly within your chats.
(Source: 9to5 MAC)
