According to reports, the update is currently being tested with select users on WhatsApp beta for iOS (version 25.24.10.72), with a wider rollout expected in the coming weeks. This marks a significant improvement over the current experience, where Live Photos were converted into static images or downgraded to GIFs without audio.
Live Photos on WhatsApp for iOS
With this new update, iPhone users will be able to share Live Photos in their original format. Recipients will notice a small motion icon on the thumbnail, indicating that the image contains movement. Tapping the photo will reveal a dedicated button that plays the animation along with audio, bringing the memory to life exactly as it was captured.
If a Live Photo is saved back to the iOS Photos app, it will also retain its original format, ensuring no loss in quality or motion. This feature is expected to make sharing more immersive and native for iPhone users who rely heavily on Live Photos.
Live Photos and Motion Photos on Android
WhatsApp is also working on cross-platform compatibility. On Android devices, these moving images will appear as “motion photos.” When shared between iOS and Android, Live Photos and motion photos will be automatically adapted so recipients see them correctly on their device.
This update eliminates the long-standing limitation where dynamic photos would lose their intended format across platforms. Now, whether you’re on iOS or Android, moving images will look and feel as they should.
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User Control Over Sharing Options
WhatsApp is also giving users more control over how they share Live Photos. A new toggle in the gallery sheet allows senders to remove the motion element, converting the file into a regular still photo if desired. The same option is available in the editing screen, providing flexibility for each photo shared.
Why This Update Matters
Until now, WhatsApp users who wanted to preserve some motion had to send Live Photos as GIFs. However, GIFs lacked smooth animation and had no audio. The new update solves this issue by keeping both motion and sound intact, making shared memories feel more realistic and personal.
With Live Photos support, WhatsApp is catching up to native iOS and Android features, while also ensuring seamless sharing across platforms. This could be a game-changer for users who love capturing moments in motion rather than just still frames.