WhatsApp Testing Audio Playback Feature in Notifications on iOS: Report

WhatsApp has released a new update beta update for iOS users, and it has enabled audio playback feature in notifications for a few users, according to a report by a beta tracker. This feature was a work in progress since a while, and now it has been spotted in iOS beta 2.19.91.1 beta version from TestFlight. The audio playback seems to be working for voice playback and audio files as well. WhatsApp features tracker WABetaInfo was the first to spot this feature, and says that only a few beta users are getting this for now.

Users need to be on the latest WhatsApp 2.19.91.1 iOS beta from TestFlight in order to be able to test the audio playback feature. After you've updated the app, ask a friend to send an audio file or voice message. Try to play it in your iPhone notifications to see if this feature has rolled out to you or not. WABetaInfo says that only a few users have got the feature enabled for now, and more users will soon see it when WhatsApp decides to expand the test. The tracker says that WhatsApp Business beta for iOS 2.19.90.8 is also eligible to remotely get the feature.

Furthermore, WABetaInfo notes that if you have already updated to the most recent version and still don't see the feature, try reinstalling the app after backing up chat history. The tracker also says that sometimes two rules are applied for this feature to work - voice message playback is likely available on beta version if the last digit of your phone number is odd, and audio file playback is likely available on beta version if the last digit of your phone number is even. The tracker says that these aren't specific rules, but in many cases it has worked.

Let us know if you're one of the few who got this feature in the comments below!