WhatsApp has begun rolling out support for voice and video calls on its web version, allowing users to make calls directly through a browser on their computers, according to reports.
Until now, WhatsApp Web has largely been limited to text-based messaging, serving as a companion platform that mirrors chats from a user’s phone. With the new update, this limitation is set to change as WhatsApp introduces calling functionality to the web app, bringing it closer in line with the desktop and mobile versions.
Read More: WhatsApp web nears major group calling upgrade
According to WABetaInfo, the feature is currently under development and is being tested in beta builds. Users will see dedicated “Voice” and “Video” call buttons within individual chat windows, enabling them to initiate calls without installing a separate desktop application. At this stage, the calling feature is restricted to one-to-one conversations, with no support yet for group calls.
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The report adds that WhatsApp Web calls are expected to support screen sharing and will maintain the platform’s standard end-to-end encryption, ensuring user privacy and security. The feature is also likely to benefit users on operating systems such as Linux, which does not currently have an official WhatsApp desktop app.
While there is no confirmed timeline for a full public rollout, the addition of voice and video calls is expected to significantly enhance the usefulness of WhatsApp Web, particularly for users who rely on browsers for work or daily communication.
Read More: WhatsApp teases smarter Meta AI ‘thinking mode’
In related developments, earlier WhatsApp beta versions introduced shortcuts that allow users to ask Meta AI about specific messages without copying or forwarding text, improving contextual assistance. WhatsApp is also reportedly working on a “thinking mode” for Meta AI, aimed at providing more advanced and useful responses.
Although Meta AI has seen fewer high-profile updates compared to competitors, these developments suggest a strategic shift towards improving functionality and depth rather than visibility. For now, both the calling feature and thinking mode remain in active development.