June 22, 2026, 11:05 am | Read time: 2 minutes
WhatsApp is working on a significant update for its browser version. In the future, users will be able to start voice and video calls directly through WhatsApp Web. Until now, this has only been possible via the smartphone app and the desktop applications for Windows and macOS. The new feature would fill a major gap in the web version.
How the New Calls Will Work
Hints of the new feature were discovered in a recent beta version of WhatsApp, as reported by “WABetaInfo.” Once activated, WhatsApp will display a call icon in the upper area of the chat window, allowing conversations to be started directly from the browser.
Users in groups do not have to call everyone automatically. Instead, they can specifically select which members should participate in a conversation. This makes the feature appealing for smaller discussions within larger groups. According to current information, up to 32 people can participate in a call.
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More Than Just Voice and Video Calls
WhatsApp is apparently planning additional features for the browser version related to group calls. Screen sharing is also expected to be included. This will allow users to share content such as presentations, documents, or other applications with participants during a call.
Additionally, WhatsApp is working on invitation links for group calls. Users can share these links with others to join a conversation. Invited individuals can be gathered in a waiting room before being admitted. Unused invitation links will automatically expire after 30 days.
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As with existing call features, WhatsApp intends to protect voice and video calls over WhatsApp Web with end-to-end encryption by default.
Linux Users Benefit the Most
The update is particularly interesting for Linux users. WhatsApp has not yet offered an official desktop application for this operating system. Those who wanted to participate in voice or video calls had to rely on their smartphones. WhatsApp has not yet announced a release date for the feature, only confirming that it will be available soon.