WhatsApp is rolling out a new set of features designed to make group chats more efficient and organised, introducing smarter polls, @all mentions, and a quicker way to create new group chats from existing ones. The updates are aimed at helping users coordinate plans, share important announcements, and manage conversations more effectively.
Polls have received several new enhancements to simplify group decision making. Users can now set an end time for polls so voting automatically closes when the deadline is reached. Poll creators also have the option to hide voter names, allowing members to share their preferences more comfortably. In addition, poll questions can now be edited within 15 minutes after creation, making it easier to correct mistakes or clarify details without creating a new poll.
The new @all mention feature allows users to notify every member of a group with a single tag, eliminating the need to mention participants individually. This is especially useful for urgent updates such as school or workplace closures, event deadlines, or last-minute changes to plans. In larger groups with more than 32 members, the @all feature is restricted to group administrators.
Even if a group chat has been muted, @all mentions can still alert members to important announcements. Users who prefer fewer notifications can disable @all alerts at any time through their notification settings, giving them greater control over how they receive updates.
WhatsApp is also making it easier to create new conversations from existing communities. Users can now start a new group chat with members from an existing group in just one tap, without having to manually add participants. The feature is intended for situations such as organising surprise celebrations, coordinating event logistics, or continuing discussions on a specific topic without overwhelming the main group chat.
The latest updates build on several group chat improvements introduced earlier this year, including group message history, member tags, and event reminders. With these new additions, WhatsApp continues to expand its group messaging capabilities, making it easier for families, friends, colleagues, and communities to communicate, collaborate, and stay connected.
