Happy New Year 2026: WhatsApp updates chats, calls, and Status with new features

WhatsApp is launching new features for the New Year 2026, including stickers, video effects, and animated Status updates to keep users connected worldwide.

WhatsApp has rolled out a new set of features to mark the start of 2026, which aims to support conversations and shared moments as users connect with friends and family during the New Year’s holiday season. The company said that New Year's Day remains the busiest time of year for the platform, with message and call volumes reaching new heights as people connect with friends, family members and groups.

New Year's Tools Added to Chats and Calls

WhatsApp has launched new features for 2026 to help users celebrate the New Year and stay connected.

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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To mark the arrival of 2026, WhatsApp has introduced features that remain available for a limited time. The platform has released a new sticker pack focused on the year 2026. Users can send these stickers in one-on-one chats and group conversations to share greetings and messages tied to the New Year.

WhatsApp has also added visual options to video calls. During a call, users can open the effects menu and apply on-screen animations. These include fireworks, confetti, and star patterns that appear while participants talk. The update will let users mark the moment without ending the call or switching apps.

The platform has also reintroduced animated message reactions. When users react to a message using the confetti emoji, an animation plays within the chat. This feature supports quick responses to greetings and announcements shared during New Year conversations.

Status Updates Gets Animation Support

The company has also pointed to tools that support planning within group chats. Users can create events directly in a chat, pin them for easy access, and track responses from participants. These tools help groups organise gatherings and keep details visible.

Polls allow group members to vote on plans such as meals or activities. Live location sharing helps users reach meeting points and allows others to follow arrivals. Voice notes and video messages also help users share updates in real time, including with contacts who cannot join in person.