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, allowing users to call people who aren’t in their contacts.
WhatsApp Adding a Call Dialer to Its App
As noted by WABetaInfo and confirmed by 9to5Mac, the latest beta of WhatsApp for iOS introduces a call dialer that closely resembles 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 directly 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 of WhatsApp.
With this feature, Meta takes WhatsApp one step closer to becoming a full replacement for Apple’s Phone app. With iOS 18.2, released to the public this week, users can choose a third-party app as the default for calls and text messages. While no apps support this feature yet, it wouldn’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 allow users to initiate a call with specific members of a group chat.
As for the new call dialer, the feature is being gradually rolled out to WhatsApp users and is now available to those with the latest beta version of WhatsApp installed via TestFlight. WhatsApp is available for free on the App Store.
