It’s been a while since WhatsApp introduced the ability to make audio and video calls in the app. To make this process even easier, Meta has been experimenting with a new call dialer built into WhatsApp for iPhone that will let users call people who aren’t in their contacts.
WhatsApp adding a call dialer to its app
As noted by WABetaInfo and also confirmed by 9to5Mac, the latest beta of WhatsApp for iOS introduces a call dialer that looks a lot like the iPhone’s default dialer for regular calls. The feature works as you’d expect: simply enter someone’s phone number and, if it’s registered with WhatsApp, you can call the number right from the app.
The idea, of course, is to make it easier and quicker to call people and businesses without having to add their number to your contacts first. The dialer can be found by tapping the “+” button in the Calls tab in WhatsApp.
With this, Meta takes WhatsApp one step closer to becoming a full replacement for Apple’s Phone app. With iOS 18.2, which was released to the public this week, users can choose a third-party app as the default for calls and text messages. There don’t seem to be any apps that support this feature yet, but it won’t be surprising if WhatsApp adds support soon.
Earlier this week, WhatsApp also announced a series of improvements to WhatsApp calls. Meta says it is working to improve the quality of calls, especially video calls – which will now have a higher resolution. The company will also let users initiate a call with specific members of a group chat.
When it comes to the new call dialer, the feature is gradually being rolled out to WhatsApp users and is now available to those who have the latest beta version of WhatsApp installed via TestFlight. WhatsApp is available for free on the App Store.
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