A new feature will soon be added to WhatsApp for iPhone users: in-app call dialing

WhatsApp is gearing up to introduce an exciting new feature for iOS users: an in-app call dialer. Currently in its beta phase, this enhancement will soon be publicly available and aims to make communication more seamless and versatile within the platform. By integrating a numeric dialer, WhatsApp will allow users to place calls directly to any number, even if it isn’t saved in their contact list. This development marks a significant upgrade to the app’s current voice call feature, which restricts users to calling only those already stored in WhatsApp’s contacts.

This anticipated update positions WhatsApp closer to traditional phone dialers, offering a more robust and user-friendly calling experience while retaining the benefits of internet-based calling. Users will reportedly have access to a keypad that functions like a standard phone dialer but operates entirely within the app, eliminating the need to toggle between WhatsApp and a phone’s default dialer.

Screenshots shared by WABetaInfo give a glimpse of how the feature is functioning for beta users, highlighting its simplicity in allowing users to dial unsaved numbers directly from the app. Notably, this upgrade comes with a design tailored to iOS since, unlike Android, the iOS platform avoids floating action buttons. WhatsApp’s dialer is expected to integrate smoothly with the app’s existing features, enhancing the user experience by allowing effortless transitions between calls and messaging. For instance, users might have the option to switch between voice and video calls during a conversation or utilize chat features to share important information while on a call.

This move further cements WhatsApp’s position as an all-in-one communication platform, minimizing reliance on traditional phone services. By combining messaging and calling functionalities under one roof, the app offers users greater convenience, potentially increasing the time spent within its ecosystem. Additionally, this upgrade could attract a wider audience by providing capabilities that resemble traditional phone dialers but come with the cost-effective advantage of VoIP-based calling.

However, such developments may raise concerns about competition with telecom providers and other internet calling platforms, as it shifts users further away from conventional communication methods. The success of this feature will largely depend on how intuitively it integrates with WhatsApp’s existing interface and whether users find it practical and easy to adopt.

For now, the in-app call dialer is available exclusively for iOS beta users, with a broader release for iPhone users expected soon. There’s no official information on when Android users will receive this update, leaving the timeline for its expansion uncertain. Nevertheless, this step highlights WhatsApp’s ongoing focus on innovation and enhancing user convenience, taking the platform closer to becoming a comprehensive communication hub.