WhatsApp Trials Enhanced Voice Message Recording Feature

WhatsApp is currently testing a more user-friendly method for recording voice messages, a feature that is already available to some iPhone users enrolled in the beta program.

The revised voice message recording function allows users to start recording with a simple tap on the microphone icon. This change was reported by WABetaInfo, which discovered the update in the latest beta version of the iPhone application.

Previously, users had to press and hold the microphone button to record a voice message, and releasing it would send the message immediately. Alternatively, users could swipe up on the button to lock it, enabling the recording of longer messages without the need to keep their finger on the button. The new beta version seemingly merges these two methods, allowing a single tap to activate the recording lock, which was previously accessible only through the swipe gesture.

Once the microphone icon is tapped, users will see the duration of their voice message, an audio waveform, and controls for deleting, pausing, and sending the message. Furthermore, before sending, users can choose to limit the message so that it can only be listened to once by the recipient.

This redesign aims to streamline the messaging experience and make the process of recording voice messages easier. However, it may also lead to accidental recordings since tapping the microphone icon now directly initiates the recording.

Currently, this beta feature is limited to a select group of testers who have installed the app via TestFlight. The functionality is expected to roll out to more beta users in the coming weeks.

For those who prefer not to use voice messages, Meta is reportedly working on expanding the integrated transcription feature to additional languages.