Image via Adobe Stock Images
WhatsApp update: Emoji skins and bug fixes in new version
Major bug fixes and a fresh set of emoji skins will be included in the most recent WhatsApp update.
Image via Adobe Stock Images
Beta testers confirmed that WhatsApp submitted a new update through to the Google Play Beta Program. The previous version has now been updated to 2.19.366.
It’s important to update your app as soon as new updates roll out, as the bug fixes could protect you from vulnerabilities in the app. We’ll also include step-by-step instructions on how to update your app in this article.
Spoiler alert, the Dark Theme feature is not available yet. WhatsApp’s core team is still working on updates in order to “ensure the best bug-free experience” for their users.
The new update will be rolled out in stages; therefore if it’s not in the app store yet, just check back soon. Here are all the changes included in WhatsApp new update.
Bug fix updates
The 2.19.365 beta update, among others, only brought a lot of bugs to the popular chat app. However, the most pressing concern was a crash that happened after the Splash Screen.
Beta testers were forced to issue a notice on 12 December, informing members not to download WhatsApp version 2.19.254, explaining:
“After the Splash Screen, WhatsApp crashes and you cannot use it.”
Another user pointed out that Splash Screen issue had been present since the 364 update; they had to uninstall the app and download a previous version.
New emoji skin
WhatsApp has added new skins for six emojis:
- woman in a manual wheelchair
- man in a manual wheelchair
- woman in a motorised wheelchair
- man in a motorised wheelchair
- woman with a probing cane
- man with aprobing cane
You can now renew your car licence on WhatsApp
South Africans can officially ditch the queues and renew their car licences in the comfort of their own home, on WhatsApp.
Wallpaper option removed
The Wallpaper used to be nestled under the Chats Settings. n the new app version update, however, the Wallpaper settings moved to a different section called Display
How to update your WhatsApp
Cyber criminals will find new and exciting ways to target users. If they really want access to your information, they will find it. However, there are certain measures you could take to protect yourself, such as updating your apps regularly.
On Android:
- Open the Play Store and tap on the three lines in the top left corner
- Go to ‘My Apps & Games’
- Select ‘WhatsApp’ and tap ‘Update.’
On iPhone:
- Open the App Store and select updates
- Select ‘WhatsApp’ and click ‘Update.’
Warning: WhatsApp support to be terminated for older devices
Back in 2016, WhatsApp said a statement that the new platform won’t support certain older devices for much longer. In 2017, devices running on Nokia Symbian S60, BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry 10 got the boot.
In addition, devices functioning on the Nokia S40 operating system stopped receiving support on 31 December 2018. That brings us to the devices that will reach the end of their WhatsApp support on 31 December 2019.
According to WhatsApp, all phones running on the Windows Phone operating system will stop receiving on 31 December 2019, while WhatsApp will stop supporting devices on iOS 7 and older, and Android 2.3.6 and older on 1 February 2020.
Also read – WhatsApp threat confirmed: Hackers could use MP4 videos to access your data
