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Leak reveals the next major feature coming to WhatsApp

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 9:10PM EST
WhatsApp Video Calling

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Facebook’s $22 billion WhatsApp deal bought it the most popular messaging app in the world, and the service has continued to grow since the record-setting deal took place. Beyond adding users, WhatsApp has added a variety of new features to further enhance the user experience and to more firmly lock users into the app’s ecosystem.

Now, according to a recent leak, it looks like WhatsApp is getting ready to add a major new feature that could take a huge bite out of some of the app’s top rivals.

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German technology blog Macerkopf has posted what it claims are screenshots from an unreleased version of the WhatsApp application for iOS. The blog says these screenshots are from version 2.12.16.2 of the app, which is currently being tested internally.

Here are the images in question:

As is quite clear, the leaked screenshots show the interface of a brand new video calling feature seemingly being tested for launch in an upcoming app update. What’s unclear, of course, is whether or not the images are authentic.

WhatsApp recently added Internet-based voice calling to its popular messaging app, and video calling would be a logical next step. The move would bring WhatsApp closer to feature parity with popular services like Skype, and could certainly take a sizable dent in their businesses.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.