WhatsApp has introduced a new update that enables both iPhone and Android users to send photos in high resolution across the messaging platform, effectively resolving the long-standing issue of low-quality image sharing.
Previously, when users shared photos on WhatsApp, the platform automatically compressed the images, resulting in a reduced resolution of 920 x 1280. This compression was aimed at conserving storage space and ensuring speedy image-sharing, especially on low-bandwidth data connections.
However, the latest update changes this scenario. WhatsApp users who update their app now have the option to share images with friends and family in “HD quality,” boasting a resolution of 3024 x 4032. The announcement about this feature’s rollout was made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg through a Facebook post.
The updated version of the app, 23.16.0, have an additional “HD” button at the top of the photo-sharing interface. This button is conveniently positioned alongside other image editing tools. When users tap the HD button, a pop-up window appears, enabling a seamless transition from the default Standard Quality to the newly introduced HD Quality.
Recipients of HD images will notice a distinctive “HD” badge in the corner of the image. This indicates that they have indeed received a higher-quality version. Notably, all high-resolution images exchanged via WhatsApp are encrypted by the platform’s strong end-to-end encryption.
Meta has clarified that, in instances where users possess a low-bandwidth internet connection, photos will still be transmitted in Standard Quality. However, these users will retain the autonomy to choose between maintaining the standard version or upgrading it to the superior HD quality, where applicable.
This eagerly awaited feature is being rolled out on a global scale over the upcoming weeks. Furthermore, Meta has disclosed its intention to extend this enhancement to video sharing as well, enabling users to send high-resolution videos via the WhatsApp platform in the near future.
