WhatsApp is working on an in-app dialer feature to call unsaved contacts: Report

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to access the in-app dialer to make voice calls. The feature is still under development and the instant messaging platform has not made it available to those who have signed up for the Google Play beta program. Although the functionality of the dialer is unclear, it is believed that the feature may allow users to call numbers that are not saved in their contact list. A recent report claims that the company is also working on a nearby file sharing feature.

Spotted from the WABetaInfo feature tracker in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.9.28, the feature is currently not available for beta testers, but the tracker suggests that it may appear in one of the next updates. The in-app dialer can extend the functionality of the app from a standard voice and video calling platform to one that even allows calling unsaved contacts and can mimic an actual calling service.

Dialing in the WhatsApp app
Photo: WABetaInfo

The report also shared a screenshot of the feature, which is not yet enabled in the latest beta version. It looks like a generic dialer with a green call icon and numbers and alphabets laid out as usual.

The functional trace suggests that the reason for the deployment of the dialer is still unknown. However, the feature is believed to be included for easy calling of numbers that the user may remember and prefer to dial instead of scrolling through the contact list or searching for it.

Another use case could be to allow users to call numbers that are not saved in contacts. Last year, the company released a feature to make it easier to chat with users who are not saved in the contact. The in-app dialer can be an extension of this feature. A common occurrence is when a user needs to call someone through the app for temporary reasons, such as setting up a meeting, checking on an expected delivery, or making an appointment.

For these cases, saving the contact is an unnecessary step that users need to complete at this time. The new feature may alleviate the need for this.