WhatsApp is planning to release the official client for iPhone with support for voice calls "in the next few weeks". This was at a conference F8 told co-founder Brian Acton.
In early 2015 WhatsApp start open testing of the voice calls in the new version of the app for Android. This functionality will allow the messenger to compete with services such as LINE, Skype and Viber, which offer voice and video calls.
In the updated application WhatsApp embedded tab "Calls", through which users can make calls to any of your contacts, and even if the "host country" does not install the latest version of the client. Calls are automatically displayed on the screen of the gadget destination, even if the device is not active at the moment. You can make calls both via Wi-Fi, and through cellular networks.
At the moment, voice calls WhatsApp officially only available for Android-based phone and have not received wide publicity. On the iPhone , you can install the updated version , but first smartphone should undergo the procedure of jailbreaking. The very existence of such a possibility confirms that it will officially become available in the near future.
According to analysts Analysys Mason, this approach means that WhatsApp has opted for a cautious start, preferring to spend it in the form of beta testing to gather feedback on the service. In addition, this approach will generate a certain excitement around the new functionality and, therefore, provide a viral promotion applications.
Analysts believe that the high level of penetration WhatsApp in many countries will lead to the fact that the messenger will be the main tool for voice calls. At this point the audience service users exceed 700 million people.