iOS WhatsApp Beta Users Can Now Arrive Late To Group Video Calls

WhatsApp on iOS is currently testing the ability to let users join a group video call after initially missing the incoming notification.

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WhatsApp has started testing a useful new upgrade that allows users to join a group video call mid-way. The instant messaging app has made a few useful enhancements to the video-calling aspect of the platform lately, such as the ability to directly start a video call with a dedicated option in the group chat. More importantly, WhatsApp finally introduced voice as well as video-calling capability to its desktop client, with group video calls currently being in development.

Moreover, the participant limit has also been raised to eight on mobile, instead of the previous maximum number that stood at four. On a similar note, the Facebook-owned app has also started the rollout of a new feature that allows users to specify the quality of videos before sharing. The pace of improvements has definitely gone up recently, as WhatsApp’s rivalry with the likes of Telegram heats up with privacy one of the key talking points.

Further building on the app’s video calling capabilities, WABetaInfo has spotted a new WhatsApp feature that allows users to join a group video call long after it has begun. Right now, users can only be a part of group video calls by accepting the invite before the conversation begins. In case the video call notification is missed or rejected, one can’t join the group video call again. The only other way to join the conversation is to start another group video call. Needless to say, it is quite limiting compared to platforms like Google Meet that allow users to hop in and out whenever they want.

WhatsApp No Longer Punishing Users For Missing A Call Alert

The ability to join a group video call mid-way on WhatsApp is currently being tested on iOS via the beta channel. The aforementioned feature has been released with v2.21.140.11 of the app for users that are part of the TestFlight program. If WhatsApp users somehow miss an incoming group video call notification, they will see an alert for an ongoing call the next time they open the app, assuming the call is still in progress. For group video calls that are still ongoing, users can simply tap on the “Tap to join” banner or the accompanying icon in the Calls tab to join the group video call. Alternatively, if users go straight to the group chat, they will see a “Join Call” button at the top that will let them join the ongoing conversion.

The biggest advantage is that WhatsApp users won’t have to disconnect an ongoing group video call and then add all participants again to make another one, just to include a member that was missing during the first call. This makes it easier for all parties actually, as users won’t miss out on the entire conversation if they somehow miss the incoming group video call alert. As mentioned, the feature is currently exclusive to iOS, but it will soon arrive on WhatsApp’s Android client as well.