Load the Game

WhatsApp gets major free to download update for iOS

• Jacob Chambers
• April 22nd, 2015

WhatsApp has just released a major update for its iOS version. The update, among other minor fixes and improvements, brings the highly anticipated Calling feature to the popular texting app. WhatsApp is one of the world’s most popular apps when it comes to keeping in touch with friends and family, and now the app has a free calling service to compliment its texting features. This addition has been out on Android phones for awhile, and it’s finally here for iPhone and iPad users too.

WhatsApp has been recently purchased by Facebook, but this hasn’t stopped the app from continuing to grow and evolve. Recently, WhatsApp has passed 800 million active users, making it one of the most downloaded mobile apps in the world. The new iOS update for the software, version 2.12.1, is on-par with what we’d expect from the well known messaging platform. As mentioned before, it adds the option to make phone calls directly through the apps, using an internet connection rather than your carrier’s potentially expensive services. The feature is completely free, and frankly, works much better than Facebook’s own calling service. We’ve tested WhatsApp’s free calling feature and the sound quality is perfectly acceptable. The update’s official description is self-explanatory: “Call your friends and family using WhatsApp for free, even if they’re in another country. WhatsApp calls uses your phone’s Internet connection rather than your cellular plan’s voice minutes”.

In addition, this significant free to download update includes an extension for iOS 8 sharing options, a camera shortcut button, contact editing on the spot and much, much more. For the official change-logs and more details, check WhatsApp’s official page on the AppStore. Keep in mind that the update might not be available outright to all iOS users, as it’s being rolled out in batches. Depending on carrier and region, you’ll be getting it in the next couple of days at the latest though, so don’t panic if it won’t show up just yet.