WhatsApp is constantly expanding its feature base on Android, iOS, and desktop. The latest update in its iOS beta program is now testing one of the most requested features, the ability to share Live Photos in their original format.
According to WABetaInfo, the feature is already available in WhatsApp beta 25.24.10.72 on iOS. With this update, iPhone users to send and receive Live Photos and retain their motion and audio, instead of being limited to static images.
Previously, Live Photos shared on WhatsApp would appear as still images. Users who wanted to share the animated versions had to convert them as GIFs by long-pressing the photo, but that came with a loss in quality, frame rate, and audio. WhatsApp now wants to solve that issue by offering full Live Photo support, preserving the original media experience.
How live photos will work on WhatsApp
When a Live Photo is shared, a small Live Photo icon will be shown in the preview at the top left on WhatsApp. Tapping the preview will open the photo full-size, where a “Live” label appears. Users can then tap the label to view the Live Photo with its original motion and audio.
Users of Live Photos will also be able to save the photos to the Photos app of their iPhone, where they will serve as standard Live Photos. Importantly, WhatsApp will include an option for users who choose to share or not to share images as Live Photos.
The Live Photos feature is currently rolling out to beta testers on iOS via TestFlight. Both iPhone and Android users should expect a wider rollout in the coming weeks.
