WhatsApp 2025 Updates: Guest Chat Feature, Voice Transcription, Ads & More — Here’s What’s New

Now you can chat on WhatsApp without even having an account! Explore all the latest features introduced in 2025.

WhatsApp is undergoing a major transformation in 2025 with several user-centric features aimed at enhancing the chatting and calling experience. Among the most talked-about additions is the Guest Chat feature, which allows people to chat on WhatsApp without having a WhatsApp account or even installing the app. Alongside this, WhatsApp has also introduced voice note transcription, group audio hangouts, live status updates, chat reactions, and a new Safety Overview feature.

Here’s a breakdown of all the major updates WhatsApp has rolled out this year:

1. Guest Chat Feature: Chat Without a WhatsApp Account

WhatsApp is testing a game-changing feature that allows users to chat with people who do not have a WhatsApp account. This innovation is currently available on WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.25.22.13.

• Users can send a chat link via SMS, email, or social media.

• The recipient can open this link and start chatting directly through their browser without downloading the app.

• It works within WhatsApp’s web-based ecosystem.

However, there are some limitations for guest users:

• They can only send and receive text messages.

• Sending media files, voice notes, GIFs, or making calls is not supported in guest mode.

Despite these limitations, the feature opens up WhatsApp communication to a much larger audience, especially in scenarios where users don’t want to create an account just for a single conversation.

2. Improved Group Chat and Calling Features

To make group interactions more seamless and engaging, WhatsApp has introduced several updates:

• Live Online Status: See who is online in real-time within groups.

• Chat Reactions: Quickly react to messages with emojis.

• Event RSVP: Allows users to respond to group event invites directly within the chat.

• Voice Note Transcription: Transcribes audio messages into text, making it easier to access messages without listening.

• Group Audio Hangouts: A new audio-only group call feature, similar to Clubhouse or Twitter Spaces, where large groups can participate in live audio discussions.

3. Ads Come to WhatsApp – But Only in the Updates Tab

For the first time, WhatsApp has started showing limited advertisements in the Updates tab (where Status updates and channels appear).

• Personal chats remain completely ad-free and end-to-end encrypted.

• This step is part of WhatsApp’s monetization strategy, offering a way for businesses and creators to promote content while keeping the core chat experience private.

4. New Security Tool: Safety Overview Page

In a bid to further enhance user security, WhatsApp has introduced a Safety Overview page.

• Before joining any unknown group, users will now see details about the group.

• It warns users of potential scams and untrusted group invites, helping reduce spam and fraud risks.

• This tool strengthens WhatsApp’s commitment to user safety in group environments.

Key Takeaway

WhatsApp’s 2025 updates show a clear move toward greater accessibility, stronger safety, and enhanced group interaction. Whether it’s chatting without an account, responding to events, or protecting yourself from group scams — the app is becoming more versatile and user-focused than ever before.

Stay updated, stay safe, and explore these new features to make the most out of your WhatsApp experience!