Meta has released an update for its iOS beta program, bringing the software up to version 25.24.10.72. This update introduces a feature that allows users to share Live Photos in their original format, preserving the motion and audio; it’s currently available to a limited number of beta testers.
Before this update, Live Photos were sent as static images or low-quality GIFs, stripping them of their sound. The new functionality provides users with a more authentic and immersive experience.
When a Live Photo is shared, a small Live Photo icon will appear on the thumbnail. Recipients can tap a dedicated button to view the photo in live mode, which plays back the content’s correct movement and audio. If the user saves a received Live Photo to their gallery, it’ll be preserved as a Live Photo within the iOS Photos app.
With this update, WhatsApp is ensuring this feature is compatible across different operating systems. When an Android user receives a Live Photo, it will appear as a motion photo on their device. Neowin covered the fact that WhatsApp for Android was implementing motion photo support a month ago.
When an Android user sends a motion photo to an iOS user, it will appear as a Live Photo. This seamless conversion across the two platforms will help to eliminate fragmentation and ensure that users don’t need to worry about compatibility issues when sharing dynamic photos between devices. If you do want to remove the motion, then there’s the option to send the photo as a static image using a new toggle in the gallery sheet.
The feature is currently restricted to a limited number of users as part of a controlled test. Access is available to a limited number of beta testers who have installed the most up-to-date version of the WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app. Interestingly, WABetaInfo says that some stable users have also received the feature.