WhatsApp Web appears set to close one of its most noticeable feature gaps, with voice and video calling for group chats now actively in development. The update would bring the browser-based version of WhatsApp closer to parity with its mobile and desktop counterparts, addressing a long-standing limitation for users who rely on the service through a web browser.
According to information surfaced by WABetaInfo, the feature is currently marked as under development and is not yet available to beta testers. While individual voice and video calls have been supported on desktop apps for some time, group calling has remained exclusive to mobile devices and native desktop clients. That distinction may soon disappear, allowing users to join group calls directly from WhatsApp Web regardless of the device they are using.
This change would be particularly relevant for people using shared or work computers, where installing standalone software is often restricted. In those environments, WhatsApp Web is frequently the only practical way to access messages, making the absence of calling support a notable shortcoming. Adding group calls to the web interface would expand its usefulness beyond text-based communication and simple media sharing.
The reported implementation suggests that WhatsApp is refining existing calling infrastructure rather than building an entirely new system. Group calling support was briefly referenced last year, but at the time it appeared limited in scope and not ready for broader use. The current development phase indicates a more complete integration, with full compatibility across group chats and devices.
There are still questions around scale and rollout. WABetaInfo notes that WhatsApp Web could eventually support up to 32 participants in a single group call, matching the upper limits seen on other platforms. However, early versions may impose lower caps, such as eight or 16 participants, while performance and reliability are tested. This staged approach would mirror how WhatsApp has historically introduced larger calling features on mobile.
Beyond basic calling, additional tools are also being explored. These include incoming call notifications within the browser, shareable call links, and call scheduling with names and descriptions. If implemented, those features would align WhatsApp Web more closely with collaboration-focused platforms, though there is no clear timeline for when they might be released.
The update fits into a broader effort by Meta to make WhatsApp a more flexible communication platform across devices. While no official release date has been announced, the fact that group calling is now actively under development suggests that support for voice and video calls on WhatsApp Web is no longer a distant goal, but a feature approaching readiness. When it arrives, it should significantly reduce the gap between WhatsApp’s browser experience and its app-based alternatives.
