WhatsApp for iOS has received a number of improvements as the development of its business app continues. The update brings WhatsApp to v2.18.51 and consists of a few enterprise-focused changes.
However, a fairly wide-reaching one is changes to the registration section. As well as an improved design, it now asks European users to confirm they are at least 16 years old. This is to comply with GDPR legislation, which will come into effect on May 25.
WhatsApp also has an entity within the European Union, promises not to data share for ads on Facebook, and will take action when unwanted messages are reported. This action includes blocking users Facebook and WhatsApp, so it’s clear there’s still data sharing in some form.
The build also greatly improves voice recording and finally lets users view Instagram and Facebook videos in WhatsApp, with the possibility of YouTube soon.
Some other changes have been discovered by WABetaInfo, and include:
- Only the ‘Delete Message’ option will show if there are no starred messages.
- Small improvements to Analog Clock Sticker, chat history backups, friend invites, and voice and video calls.
- Group creators can now dismiss other administrators.
- A new Privacy Settings option lets group admins choose who can edit group subject, description, and icon.
- Improvements to Siri extension
WhatsApp Business on iOS
It’s likely that some of these group-oriented features come from WhatsApp’s work towards its enterprise app. Features like admin control and group subject editing will be essential to keep a command structure and reduce unprofessional behavior.
The app is already available on Android, and features verified users, labels, statistics, email IDs, and more. As you would expect, WhatsApp is working hard to give iOS users the same functionality. If the whole workforce can’t utilize the app, it becomes redundant very quickly.
That said, reports suggest development is still in the early stages, and the date for its full-featured release isn’t known. Until then, users will have to make do with the new features of WhatsApp for iOS.