In a long-awaited development, WhatsApp Web is finally catching up with its mobile and desktop counterparts — and it could change the way millions communicate online. According to a report from WABetaInfo, Meta-owned WhatsApp is actively working on introducing built-in voice and video calling features directly within the web client.
Until now, WhatsApp users could only make calls via the mobile app or by downloading the WhatsApp Desktop application. The web version, while convenient for messaging from browsers, lacked one crucial feature: calling. But that’s all about to change.
New Call Buttons Spotted on WhatsApp Web
The buzz began when WABetaInfo, a trusted source for WhatsApp updates, uncovered new call buttons appearing in the web client. The familiar phone and camera icons — symbols of voice and video calls on the mobile app — are now being tested on the web interface.
A screenshot shared in the report shows a WhatsApp group chat on a web browser with these icons neatly placed at the top, where previously there were only chat options. This suggests that voice and video calls could soon be made directly from your browser, eliminating the need for a mobile device or separate desktop app.
This development follows a previous update where WhatsApp had introduced a call dropdown menu for individual and group chats — though only for beta testers at the time. The new findings indicate that WhatsApp is now taking a significant step further by extending calling capabilities to the general web platform.
What This Means for Users
Once officially rolled out, users will be able to make one-on-one and group voice or video calls straight from their browser — be it Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari — without downloading anything. This is a game-changer for professionals, students, and casual users alike who prefer multitasking across tabs or using WhatsApp alongside other web tools.
The web-based calling feature will align WhatsApp with other major platforms like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom, which already offer browser-based call support. WhatsApp, with its massive global user base of over 2 billion, could become an even more powerful communication tool for both personal and professional use.
Competitive Edge in a Crowded Market
Adding built-in calls to WhatsApp Web could give Meta a stronger foothold in the remote work and virtual meeting space. While WhatsApp is traditionally seen as a mobile-first messaging app, this move indicates a strategic shift to make it more versatile and business-friendly.
Platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom dominate the business communications space, but WhatsApp’s simplicity and global reach make it ideal for quick, informal meetings and international communication — especially in countries where WhatsApp is already the go-to communication tool.
Privacy and Convenience Combined
Another major advantage is that this feature would work without needing any third-party plugins or downloads, preserving WhatsApp’s core value of privacy-first, end-to-end encrypted communication. It ensures that users don’t have to compromise security or jump through hoops just to connect over voice or video.
This ease of access will likely appeal to casual users and businesses who want to keep things simple, secure, and efficient.
No Official Release Date Yet
While there’s no official launch date for WhatsApp Web’s voice and video calling feature, the appearance of these elements in beta testing strongly suggests the update is in advanced stages of development.
Given WhatsApp’s history of gradually rolling out features after successful beta testing, users can likely expect a global release in the near future — possibly within the next few months.
This upcoming upgrade could transform WhatsApp Web from a simple browser-based chat tool into a full-fledged communication platform, finally offering the kind of flexibility users have been requesting for years.
Whether you’re working remotely, catching up with friends, or managing global teams, WhatsApp Web’s new voice and video calling feature promises to make digital communication even more seamless and accessible — right from your browser.
