Finally here we are. The new update is available for download to activate WhatsApp voice calls even on iPhones with iOS operating systems. Until now, in fact, free Voip calls were officially available only for mobile phones with the Android operating system . But from today, March 22, 2014, even those who own an iPhone can activate the service. Let’s see in detail how to make phone calls with WhatsApp from iPhone and the other news that arrive with version 2.12.1.

The first step to access the new services is to download the latest version of WhatsApp . To do this, log in to the App Store and download the update. Alternatively, you can download the application directly from this link .

At this point, open WhatsApp. First you will be asked if you want to activate automatic backup of chats on iCloud. Select, if it seems useful to you, the option you want (every day, month, year, etc.) and go on.

Now you are ready to start using free WhatsApp voice calls on your iPhone: open a conversation and to start a voice conversation select the phone icon next to the image at the top right of the screen.

PS if you don’t see the phone icon, you may have to wait a few more hours (read the chapter below for more info)

WhatsApp voice calls on iPhone: the official description

The official description on the iTunes Store reads: “ Call your friends and family using WhatsApp for free, even if they are in another country. The WhatsApp Calls feature uses your phone’s Internet connection and not the voice minutes included in your phone plan. Charges for data traffic may apply. Note: The Calls feature will be released gradually over the next few weeks ”.

This official description invites us to focus on two fundamental points:

1. How much do calls on WhatsApp cost? The text states that they are free. In one sense it is true, in another it is not. To know in detail the costs of WhatsApp calls (both on iPhone and Android) you can read this guide .

2. When will voice calls be active on iPhone? Officially from today, March 22, but it could take a few days for everyone to have the service active on their phone. So if you can’t make a phone call after updating, it’s just a matter of time.

More news of the latest WhatsApp update for iPhone

Along with free calls, the latest WhatsApp update introduced new features that enhance the application and improve the user experience.

First of all the iOS 8 extension for sharing photos, videos and links with WhatsApp directly from other applications. An example is the ability to send photos by selecting them directly from the iPhone f roll, a function already available for other services such as Facebook and email. To do this, just open a photo among those saved on your phone and select the options button at the bottom left. Next to the various icons Messages, Email, Facebook, etc., you will find that of WhatsApp. Click, select the contact or group, and send.

NB if the WhatsApp option is not displayed, go to other (the icon with the three dots next to each other) and activate the option for WhatsApp.

The other news of the new WhatsApp update are:

1. Media hot key: new option that allows you to capture photos and videos, or to choose a recent photo or video from your camera roll, using the “photo” key directly from within the app.

2. Ability to edit the contacts directly from WhatsApp.

3. Send multiple videos at the same time.

4. Crop and rotate the videos before sending them.

Have you turned on voice calls but they don’t work well? It is not that strange and you are not the only one, as you can read for yourself in this article . WhatsApp engineers are working hard to bring the service to the top, but without an adequate connection …