WhatsApp rolls out @all override and anonymous polls in major group chat update

WhatsApp has released a significant software update that introduces an @all notification override, anonymous polling, and streamlined group management tools. The update, which began rolling out on August 4, reinforces the platform’s strategy of treating group chats as a core utility for its user base of over 3 billion people. This release follows a series of group-centric features launched earlier this year, including message history retention, member tags, and event reminders.

The most prominent addition is the @all function, designed to bypass mute settings and notify all group members regardless of their individual notification preferences. Intended for urgent communications such as last-minute cancellations or critical updates, the feature includes safeguards against misuse. In groups exceeding 32 members, only administrators can trigger the override. This threshold mirrors the cap for group calls, serving as a functional dividing line between a standard chat and a broadcast channel. Users retain the ability to manually mute these specific alerts in their notification settings, separate from muting the chat itself.

Polling capabilities have also been enhanced to address common friction points in group decision-making. The platform, which introduced end-to-end encrypted polls in 2022, now allows users to set an automatic end time that locks voting upon expiry. Additionally, voters can choose to hide their names, a shift from the previous transparent-by-design system. Poll questions can also be edited within a 15-minute grace window, aligning with the policy for standard messages.

Group organisation is further simplified by the introduction of splinter chats. Users can now create a smaller, private group from an existing larger chat with a single tap, automatically pulling selected members into the new thread without manual addition. This feature is positioned as a tool for managing side conversations or planning events without cluttering the main group channel.

In parallel with these group enhancements, WhatsApp is preparing to launch usernames later this year. This feature will allow users to connect without sharing phone numbers, offering an optional layer of privacy. Reservations for usernames began in June, enabling eligible users to claim new names or transfer existing handles from Facebook or Instagram. To prevent impersonation, names associated with celebrities, public figures, and government bodies will be reserved for their legitimate owners.