New features for catching up on group chats

WhatsApp announced four new features on October 29 to help users stay updated on group chats they missed while being away. These changes aim to make it easier for users to follow along with conversations that have been active during their absence.

Sending recent messages to new group members

One of the most practical updates allows users to send recent messages to new group members after they have joined, rather than deciding at the time of adding them. This feature was previously available only when adding a member, through a switch that could be toggled on or off.

Pinned messages with no time limit

Pinned messages can now remain at the top of a conversation indefinitely, without a set time limit. Previously, users had to choose a duration when pinning a message, which limited how long it stayed visible at the top of the chat.

Filter for unread group messages

A new filter helps users find unread group messages where they were mentioned or where someone replied directly, including messages sent to @all. This makes it easier to locate important messages without scanning through the entire chat history.

Group statuses similar to Instagram stories

WhatsApp introduced group statuses, which function like classic statuses but are limited to members of a specific group. These ephemeral posts, similar to Instagram stories, disappear after 24 hours. All group members can view, react to, and post their own statuses.

WhatsApp for PC gets new features

WhatsApp for PC is expanding with features already available on smartphones. The Windows application now includes functions like sending message history to new group members, colored themes, personalized wallpapers, liking a status with a heart, and exporting conversations as files.

Windows app now uses web-based technology

The WhatsApp Windows app no longer has many unique features, as Meta replaced the native application with a WebView2 component in November 2025. This technology allows the app to load the web.whatsapp.com website, enabling Meta to maintain a single code base for both web and PC versions.

Deployment schedule not provided

WhatsApp has not yet provided a timeline for when the group features announced on October 29 will be rolled out to all users.