WhatsApp has been discovered to be upgrading its platform’s existing voice messages function with a global voice message player that would allow you to listen to voice messages when viewing your recent chats. At the moment, the update is reportedly being developed for beta testers. Separately, WhatsApp is said to have begun rolling out an updated Disappearing Messages feature that allows users to choose between ephemeral duration of 24 hours, seven days, and 90 days. The update is currently being tested by iOS beta testers.
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing an updated global voice message player that will allow users to listen to voice messages they receive in a chat even after leaving that chat. This means that your voice messages will be pinned to the top of the app’s home screen, allowing you to listen to a long voice message while browsing your recent chats.
The global voice message feature is said to be always visible — even when you leave the chats screen and look at other areas of the app. It could be useful if you want to pause or dismiss a voice message.
According to WABetaInfo, the update was discovered during the development of a recent WhatsApp for iOS beta release. It has not yet been made available to beta testers. Over time, WhatsApp is also expected to bring the global voice message player to Android, in addition to iOS.
WhatsApp has recently improved voice message support on its platform by introducing playback speed toggles and consecutive voice messages. It is also reportedly testing features such as transcription and a seek option to improve voice message experiences.
In addition to the global voice message player, WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp is currently testing the updated Disappearing Messages feature, which will allow you to choose between 24 hours, 90 days, and the existing seven days for ephemeral messages. The Facebook-owned app first introduced the feature last year, with the option to automatically delete a specific message after seven days, though recent beta releases indicated new durations are in the works.
WhatsApp is also said to have a Default Message Timer option in the app’s privacy settings. It appears to allow users to choose an ephemeral duration that will be applied to all new messages.
Initially, WhatsApp is said to be testing an updated Disappearing Messages feature with some beta testers who are using the most recent WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business apps for iOS. It may soon be available for Android beta testing as well.
The general availability of the updated Disappearing Messages feature has not yet been announced.