WhatsApp has recently released a new update for the iPhone, which brings some pretty cool visual improvements along with the ability to have Siri read out your latest messages. The new WhatsApp update (v2.17.2) is now available via the App Store.
The latest version of WhatsApp coming in at approximately 89MB in size, emphasizes four key updates including the ability to ask Siri to read out your latest messages. The other 3 updates include:
- Visual improvements to the Calls tab, Contact info, and Group info screens.
- The ability to select multiple statuses at once in the My Updates screen which you can forward and delete
- Support for Persian language.
Even though, WhatsApp does already allow you to compose and send WhatsApp messages through Siri, the new update will enable Siri to read out your latest messages to you hands free, which will come in handy when you’re driving, for example.
The functionality only works if you have some unread messages. Say something like “Hey Siri, read my last WhatsApp message” and Siri will read out the new messages to you and will then prompt you to compose a reply. You can then choose to reply to the message by dictating it to Siri. You should also note that once Siri has read your latest messages, it won’t be able to read it again the second time.
This feature will only work for users who are on the iOS 10.3+.
Some of the other updates to WhatsApp also include some visual changes to the Calls tab, Contact info, and Group info screens. On opening any one of the screens, you’ll notice that the display images enlarge as you scroll down, and the various options below have colourful icons next to them for some added spice to what was otherwise a fairly dull interface.
The update will allow you to select multiple statuses in the My Update section which you can forward or delete, a redesigned two-step verification interface makes it easier to set up and the camera function now remembers the camera lens you used last – front or back. The latest update to its iPhone app has also added support for Persian language with the .
