WhatsApp to Soon Support Live Photos on iOS: Share Photos with Audio and Video in Original Format
WhatsApp is preparing to roll out a major update for iPhone users, enabling them to send Live Photos in their full form—complete with sound and motion. Until now, sharing Live Photos over WhatsApp resulted in the files being converted into static images, losing their signature video and audio elements. The new feature, already available for select beta testers, will soon be accessible to all iOS users, delivering a richer photo-sharing experience.
How Live Photos Worked Until Now
Previously, when iPhone users sent a Live Photo through WhatsApp, it would be stripped of its motion and audio features and shared as a simple still image. The only workaround was to convert it into a GIF, but that came with significant downsides: loss of quality, absence of audio, and limited movement smoothness. This forced many users to look for alternative sharing methods outside WhatsApp, as the popular messaging platform lacked native support for Live Photos in their full glory.
A Game-Changing Update for iOS Users
The upcoming update allows Live Photos to be sent in their original format, preserving both video and sound. Once received, the Live Photo will appear with a recognizable thumbnail icon indicating its animated nature. The receiver simply taps the play button to view the motion and hear the audio, making for a far more engaging interaction compared to static images or muted GIFs.
Moreover, when a Live Photo is saved from WhatsApp to the device, it retains its full functionality in the iOS Photos app. This means users no longer have to worry about their cherished Live Photos being downgraded to static images during the sharing process.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
WhatsApp is also adding cross-platform support to this feature, ensuring seamless communication between iOS and Android users. A Live Photo sent from an iPhone will appear as a Motion Photo on Android devices, and vice versa. This interoperability guarantees that both Android and iOS users will enjoy a consistent and enhanced experience, bridging the gap between different operating systems.
Full Control for Users
To give users more flexibility, WhatsApp is introducing a new toggle option in the gallery and editing screen. Users can choose whether they want to send a Live Photo in its full format or strip it down to a still image. This empowers individuals to maintain privacy or save bandwidth when necessary, without sacrificing convenience.
Currently, this feature is being tested by a limited number of beta users through TestFlight (version 25.24.10.72). However, WhatsApp plans to gradually roll out the update to all iOS users in the coming weeks. Some stable version App Store users may already notice the feature, as WhatsApp prepares for a wider release.
Why This Update Matters
The addition of Live Photo support enhances the overall WhatsApp user experience, making photo-sharing more dynamic and engaging. It eliminates the need for third-party apps or workarounds to share photos with movement and sound. As WhatsApp remains one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, these improvements are bound to streamline communication, especially for creative users who love sharing moments exactly as they happened.
How to Stay Updated
iPhone users interested in trying the new feature early can join WhatsApp’s beta program via TestFlight. For the general public, the update is expected to be rolled out widely in the next few weeks through the official App Store release. Users are advised to regularly update their WhatsApp app to the latest version to ensure they get access as soon as the rollout begins.
