Meta Corporation, a company that has attracted attention in various regions for its messaging software projects, has introduced a refreshed version of its WhatsApp messenger for both iOS and Android. The update aims to improve how media is shared by offering an option to send videos in higher definition, a feature that many users have long requested as devices and networks have grown capable of handling larger, crisper files. This development was reported by the technology news outlet 9To5Mac, which tracks app updates and changes in popular messaging apps.
Before this update, WhatsApp typically compressed videos sent through the service to a standard resolution of 480p. While reducing file size helps with quicker uploads and saves data, it can noticeably degrade video quality, especially for clips that were originally recorded in higher resolutions. 9To5Mac notes that 480p is relatively low by contemporary viewing standards, particularly on modern smartphones and high-definition displays where audiences expect sharper visuals and more accurate color rendering.
The newly released version introduces a user choice between two compression modes when sending video: Standard Quality, which maintains the familiar 480p, and HD Quality, which targets 720p. Users can see a preview within the chat interface that indicates the expected final file size and quality after applying either option. This transparency helps people decide how to balance video fidelity with data usage and delivery speed, depending on their network conditions and recipient preferences.
It’s important to note that while 720p offers a meaningful improvement over 480p, it remains below the more up-to-date benchmarks of 1080p and 4K commonly available on newer devices and streaming platforms. For those who require the highest fidelity, the guidance from the update suggests sending the clip as a file rather than as an in-chat video. This approach preserves the full resolution of the original recording, avoiding recompression that could occur during the standard sending workflow.
The updated WhatsApp version has begun rolling out to app stores and is available for download in many countries, including regions in North America and parts of Europe. Users should ensure their devices run compatible operating system versions to access the new features. The rollout pattern often means some users see the update sooner than others, depending on device model, region, and the store’s update cadence. As with many messaging apps, feature parity and performance vary with device capabilities, network quality, and ongoing platform optimizations. Stakeholders in the channel appreciate technology that gives more control over how media is shared, especially for users who frequently send high-resolution videos for work, education, or personal communication.
In related tech developments, these trends reflect a broader push toward smarter media handling within productivity and communication tools. While the primary focus here is on video quality during transmission, other aspects of app performance—such as stability, privacy safeguards, and integration with other services—continue to evolve. The aim is to deliver a smoother experience that respects user preferences and data limits, without forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. For analysts and consumers alike, the move signals that mainstream messaging platforms are increasingly treating video quality as a feature worth refining, rather than a default that users must contend with. This shift aligns with industry expectations that messaging apps should adapt to the ways people capture and share moments, offering choices that fit different connectivity scenarios and device capabilities.