WhatsApp’s latest iOS update adds picture-in-picture for video calls

Illustration: The VergeWhatsApp has finally started to roll out picture-in-picture mode for video calls on iOS, as spotted earlier by 9to5Mac. The feature, which WhatsApp first started testing last year, should let you open up other apps during video...

WhatsApp’s latest iOS update adds picture-in-picture for video calls

WhatsApp has finally started to roll out picture-in-picture mode for video calls on iOS, as spotted earlier by 9to5Mac. The feature, which WhatsApp first started testing last year, should let you open up other apps during video calls without any disruptions.

Just like picture-in-picture mode on FaceTime, WhatsApp will shrink your video call to a small window that sits atop whatever app you switch to. This allows you to partake in the call while reading a relevant document, surfing the web, or perhaps even playing a game.

You can gain access to picture-in-picture mode in the latest WhatsApp update on iOS (version 23.3.77), but you might have to wait a bit to use it. WhatsApp says it will roll out the feature “over the coming weeks” and the same goes for the handful of other features bundled in the update.

This includes the ability to add captions when sending documents, support for longer descriptions and subjects for groups, and the introduction of personalized avatars that you can use as stickers and profile photos. Earlier this month, WhatsApp also launched new status features that let you share your status with a private audience, react to someone’s status with an emoji, record voice statuses, and more.