WhatsApp is rolling out a guest calling feature that lets people join calls without creating an account or installing the app. Both The Verge and Engadget report that guests can join via a link from a browser, and that calls remain end-to-end encrypted. The feature is aimed at making it easier to include people who are not regular WhatsApp users.
The two outlets agree on the main restrictions. Guests must be approved by the host before joining, and once in a call they cannot see other participants' phone numbers, send messages, or add new participants. The Verge adds that hosts can remove guests at any time, while Engadget notes that guests face no time limits. Both say guests can use screen sharing, hand raising, and emoji reactions.
Both sources also report that Meta plans to launch Google and Outlook calendar integrations later this year, allowing WhatsApp call links to be attached to calendar invites. Engadget places the update in a broader series of WhatsApp changes aimed at business users, including usernames and encrypted web calls. The Verge notes that web-based calling was added earlier this year, which supports the new guest option.