WhatsApp has rolled out a new update aimed at making calls more organised and engaging for users.

The messaging platform now allows users to schedule calls in advance, whether for one-on-one conversations or group discussions. By setting a date and time, users can plan ahead and send invitations directly to contacts or groups. Once a call is scheduled, participants receive reminders to ensure they don’t miss important discussions.

The update also adds new interactive tools for smoother group calls. A "raise hand" feature lets participants signal when they want to speak without interrupting others. In addition, users can now react with emojis during calls, enabling quick responses and expressions without breaking the flow of conversation.

The Calls tab has been redesigned to improve organisation. It now displays all upcoming calls along with participant names, and users can share call invite links directly from the tab. Organisers are notified whenever someone joins a call using a link.

All scheduled and live calls remain protected with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, keeping conversations secure and private. Setting up a scheduled call is straightforward: users open the Calls tab, select a contact or group, tap on "Schedule Call," choose the call type, date, and time, and confirm.

These updates cater to both personal and professional users, helping them plan calls better and engage more effectively during conversations.

In a separate update, WhatsApp reported that it banned over 98 lakh accounts in India during June to curb abuse and harmful activity. Of these, nearly 19.79 lakh accounts were banned proactively before receiving any user complaints, according to WhatsApp’s India Monthly Report.