If you use WhatsApp regularly on your iPhone or Android, there’s an important update you might’ve missed. The Meta-owned messaging giant has just issued a reminder to all UK users, highlighting nine new features that are now available — and they’re rolling out silently across devices this week.
These upgrades include smart changes to how you chat, call, and interact using WhatsApp — all designed to make your messaging faster, more expressive, and more fun. From animated emojis to group mentions and upgraded Channels, this is the biggest refresh to the app in months.
And here’s the kicker — with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge now shipping with a fully optimized WhatsApp experience out of the box, this update couldn’t have come at a better time.
What’s Changed? Here Are the 9 New WhatsApp Features UK Users Should Know
1. Animated Emojis Bring Chats to Life
You’ll now notice your emojis come alive — literally. Emojis sent in chats will animate with movement, adding more emotion and energy to your messages.
2. Make Your Own Animated Stickers
Users can now turn any video into a moving sticker. Just pick a clip, convert it in-app, and send it off. Perfect for personal reactions or fun group chats.
3. Avatar Social Stickers in One-on-One Chats
If you’ve created a WhatsApp Avatar, you can now send unique, social-style stickers — but only in direct messages and only with contacts who also have avatars.
4. Start a Group Without Adding Members Right Away
No need to build the whole group up front. You can now create a group with just a name, and invite others later via link or direct add.
5. Better Media Replies and Reactions
When you send multiple photos or videos together, you can now add one caption for all and allow others to react or reply either to the full set or to individual images.
Updates to WhatsApp Calls
6. New Call Tab + Video Effects
A fresh new Calls tab now lets you start a call, share links, and manage history more easily. Plus, there are 6 new filters and 6 effects you can apply during video calls — from fun to flattering.
New Tools in Status & Channels Tab
7. Polls with Photos on Channels
Admins can now attach images to each poll option, making voting more visual and engaging for followers.
8. Star Your Favourite Channel Updates
Found something worth saving? Tap the star to bookmark updates and revisit them anytime — no more scrolling through endless posts.
9. Mention Entire Groups in Status
Last year, WhatsApp allowed mentions of individuals in Status. Now, you can mention an entire group, and every member gets notified in their group chat. They can even reshare your update.
Why This Matters — Especially for Galaxy S25 Edge Users
The timing of these updates aligns closely with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which offers a slim 5.8mm titanium body and tight WhatsApp integration.
Thanks to Android 15 enhancements, new Galaxy S25 users will enjoy a smoother WhatsApp experience — including faster sticker rendering and improved media sharing via Samsung’s OneUI optimization.
So if you’re upgrading to the S25 Edge, WhatsApp’s latest features will come baked in — no setup needed.
Meta’s Message to UK Users: Don’t Miss These Updates
In a recent blog post, WhatsApp said:
“It’s been a busy few months bringing new features and updates to WhatsApp. These improvements are aimed at making conversations more expressive, more connected, and easier to manage.”
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The platform is nudging users — especially in the UK, one of its most active markets — to explore the new changes now live in the Chats, Calls, and Updates tabs.
With privacy concerns growing and messaging habits changing fast, WhatsApp’s latest update is clearly aimed at retaining its loyal UK user base. Whether you’re on the cutting-edge Galaxy S25 Edge or a long-time iPhone user, these tools are now live and ready to explore.
If you haven’t checked your app recently, now’s a good time to update and see what’s new.