The digital landscape in Pakistan is shifting
The digital landscape in Pakistan is shifting. As WhatsApp Web evolves from a simple messaging mirror to a professional-grade communication hub, its latest development—group voice and video call support—is set to redefine how the country’s 48 million monthly desktop users collaborate.
The Shift to a Desktop-First Experience
In Pakistan, nearly 80% of WhatsApp Web traffic originates from desktops, a stark contrast to the mobile-heavy usage seen in other apps. This makes the addition of group calls a professional necessity rather than just a convenience. By moving to a "Web Wrapper" architecture, Meta has paved the way for features once reserved for smartphones—like 32-person calls and shareable meeting links—to function seamlessly within your browser.
Key Features to Watch
- Integrated Call Hub: Look for the voice and video icons directly in the header of your group chats.
- Shareable Call Links: Like Zoom or Google Meet, you can now generate a unique URL to invite others to a group session.
- Call Scheduling: Administrators can now pre-plan meetings with specific names and times, with reminders sent automatically to all participants.
- End-to-End Encryption: Despite moving to the web, every call remains secured by the Signal Protocol, ensuring your conversations stay private.
The 2026 Compatibility Cutoff
To support these advanced features, Meta is raising the bar for hardware. Starting January 1, 2026, older devices will no longer support the WhatsApp ecosystem.
Minimum Requirements:
- Android: Must be running OS 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher.
- iOS: Must be running iOS 15.1 or higher.
- PC/Mac: Requires 64-bit Windows 10 (v1903) or macOS 11 (Big Sur).
Popular Devices Losing Support:
- iPhone: Series 5 and 6 (excluding 6s/SE 1st Gen).
- Samsung: Older Galaxy S, Note, and J series (e.g., S5, Note 3, J2).
- Huawei/LG/Sony: Legacy models like the Ascend Mate, LG G3, and Xperia Z series.
Optimization Tips for Users
For the best experience on the web client, ensure your browser (Chrome, Edge, or Safari) has explicit permission to access your camera and microphone. If you encounter lag, closing high-resource tabs or updating your hardware drivers can significantly improve call clarity. This update is more than a feature; it's a bridge to a more connected and professional digital future in Pakistan.