WhatsApp’s New Year 2025 Update: Festive Features for iPhone & Android (Limited Time!)

WhatsApp briefly rolled out a festive update for New Year’s 2024/2025, adding a sprinkle of holiday cheer to chats and calls between December 20, 2024, and January 3, 2025. This limited-time update, available for both iPhone and Android, offered themed stickers, special video call effects, and animated reactions. While these features are no longer available, let’s take a look back at what users enjoyed during this brief period.

Stickers, Effects, and Reactions: A Festive Trio

This update wasn’t just about saying “Happy New Year”—it was about saying it with flair. Here’s a breakdown of the festive features:

Stickers: Spreading Holiday Cheer

WhatsApp offered a special “Happy New Year 2025” sticker pack containing ten unique designs. These stickers, ranging from fireworks to champagne glasses, provided a visual way to share holiday greetings.

How to Access (Expired):

1. Open any WhatsApp chat.
2. Tap the emoji icon.
3. Select the sticker icon.
4. Locate and download the “Happy New Year 2025” pack (or other New Year themed packs).

Video Call Effects: A Virtual Party

Users could enhance their video calls with festive backgrounds, filters, and effects. Imagine chatting with friends and family while surrounded by virtual fireworks or sporting a silly New Year’s hat.

How to Access (Expired):

1. Start a video call.
2. Tap the screen during the call.
3. Locate and select the “Effects” icon.
4. Choose your desired background, filter, or effect.

Animated Reactions: Emojis with a Bang

Certain emojis (🎊, 🥳, 🎉, 🍾, 🥂) transformed into animated bursts of confetti when used as reactions. This small detail added a dynamic element to message exchanges.

How to Use (Expired): Simply long-press a message and select one of the designated emojis from the reaction menu to trigger the animation.

A Look Back and a Look Ahead

The New Year’s 2024/2025 update was a temporary celebration, with the features expiring on January 3, 2025. While these specific features may not return, it suggests WhatsApp might offer similar limited-time additions for future holidays.

Keeping Up with WhatsApp

It’s always a good idea to keep your WhatsApp app updated. Here’s how:

iPhone:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Tap your profile icon (upper right).
3. Scroll down to see pending updates.

Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
3. Select “My apps & games.”
4. Check for WhatsApp updates.

End-of-Support Reminder

As a general reminder, older Android and iPhone devices might eventually lose WhatsApp support. It’s wise to periodically check your device’s compatibility to ensure uninterrupted access to the app.

FAQ

Q: Will these New Year’s features return?

A: While it’s possible WhatsApp might offer similar features in future holiday updates, there is no guarantee that these specific features will come back.

Q: How do I update WhatsApp?

A: Instructions are provided above in the “Keeping Up with WhatsApp” section.

Q: I’m on an older phone. Should I be concerned?

A: Older operating systems may eventually lose support. Checking your device’s compatibility with the latest version of WhatsApp is recommended.

By staying updated and engaged with the app, users can take advantage of the latest features and look forward to potential future holiday surprises from WhatsApp. What festive additions would you like to see next year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!