This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
WhatsApp is constantly evolving and is currently testing a new feature: the ability to plan events directly in private chats. Until now, this was only possible in group chats, but this practical option could soon be added to individual conversations. This innovation could establish WhatsApp even more firmly as a central platform for communication and organization. The extension brings many advantages, especially for users who want to coordinate appointments without external apps. This could make WhatsApp a direct alternative to conventional calendar apps.
The way people connect their communication and planning in apps is constantly changing. WhatsApp has been one of the most important platforms for exchanging messages, calls and now also business communication for years. With the event planning function, the app goes a step further and intervenes in an area that has so far been dominated by specialized calendar apps and other organizational tools (via WABetaInfo). This development is no coincidence. Rumours say plant Apple has launched a new iCloud-based app called “Confetti” that is designed to cover exactly this area. By introducing events in private chats, WhatsApp could get ahead of direct competition and keep its users on its own platform.
WhatsApp tests event scheduling for private chats
It is currently possible to create events in group chats. This function allows you to organize meetings or appointments within a group. You can give the event a name, add a description, set a date and time, and add a location or a call link. You can also specify an end time. However, these events were previously limited to groups. Only members of a group chat could participate or be notified. With the planned extension, these functions should also be available in private chats. This would allow two users to arrange an appointment directly via WhatsApp and record all the details - without having to use an external app such as Google Calendar or Apple Calendar. The goal behind this innovation is obvious: WhatsApp wants to keep users in its own app longer. By directly integrating organization and planning functions, the need to open another application for such tasks is reduced.
Competition from Apple – What does this mean for WhatsApp?
The decision to make events available in one-on-one conversations comes at a time when Apple is apparently planning its own solution in this area. Rumors according to Apple is about to introduce a new app or service - known under the code name "Confetti". This is intended to offer users a way to organize events and meetings - away from the traditional calendar app. With the new function, WhatsApp could counteract a possible switch of its users to Apple apps. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is already increasingly focusing on functions that keep users in the app. New options were recently introduced, including expanded group functions, communities and now scheduling appointments in private chats.
More WhatsApp updates: “View Once” media on multiple devices
In addition to the planned expansion for events, WhatsApp is also testing another new feature. Users will soon be able to open "View Once" media on linked devices. So far, it is only possible to view this type of image or video on the main device of the user account. This change could be particularly useful for users with multiple devices, such as those who use WhatsApp on both their smartphone and PC. This will make usage more flexible without losing the security of the "View Once" function.
Important security patch for iOS
WhatsApp recently released an important update for iOS devices. This fixes a critical security flaw in the "View Once" function. This error previously made it possible to access photos or videos that were supposed to disappear after a single view. The update ensures that the "View Once" media is actually no longer accessible once it has been viewed. Anyone who uses WhatsApp on an iPhone should therefore make sure that the latest version of the app is installed.
WhatsApp plans update: appointment organization without external apps
With the upcoming introduction of events in private chats, WhatsApp is significantly expanding its functionality. In the future, users will be able to plan appointments and meetings directly via the messenger without having to rely on external apps. This innovation comes at a time when Apple is apparently working on a similar function, so WhatsApp wants to position itself as a central platform for organizing appointments early on. In addition, WhatsApp improves the use of "View Once" media by extending the function to linked devices. A recent iOS update also ensures greater security by closing a previous data protection gap. Anyone who wants to use the new functions should update WhatsApp regularly. It is not yet known when exactly the event feature for private chats will be released - but the first beta versions show that the update should not be far away. (Photo by DenPhoto / Bigstockphoto)
- Apple fights against Google lawsuit – without success?
- WhatsApp brings multi-account support for iPhone users
- WhatsApp integration: Share status updates on all platforms
