WhatsApp is enabling a feature that allows users to send higher-quality “HD” images on the messaging platform. According to Mark Zuckerberg, Meta CEO, this upgrade will enhance photo sharing on WhatsApp. This capability will gradually roll out globally within the upcoming weeks, permitting users to transmit higher-resolution images (albeit still compressed) from Android, iOS, or the web. Recipients across platforms will be able to identify these images by a small icon. The support for HD videos is also anticipated to follow shortly after.
Upon accessing this feature, users will encounter an “HD” gear icon while adding an image to a message thread. This functionality was initially observed in beta versions, with the “photo quality” menu providing resolution choices: standard quality (1600 x 1052) and HD quality (4096 x 2692). The specifics of image compression and quality compared to other platforms like iMessage remain undisclosed. These higher-quality images will maintain WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption standards.
In cases of slow connections, recipients can opt to retain either the standard quality version or opt for the HD version. Standard quality transmission will persist as the default for senders, preventing excessive use of phone storage due to numerous images in group chats.
