WhatsApp is rolling out three group chat updates: an @all mention, poll improvements and a one-tap way to create a new group from an existing one. Meta announced the bundle on 4 August, following group message history and member tags earlier this year.
@all, with an admin gate
@all pings every member of a chat at once — for school or office closures, event deadlines or last-minute changes of plan. In groups with more than 32 members, only admins can use it. The mention still reaches muted chats, though @all notifications can be switched off separately in settings.
Every group chat now has a member with a new way to demand attention. Groups over 32 at least have the admin gate to keep it in check.
Polls that lock
Polls gain an end time that locks voting once it passes, hidden voter names, and a 15-minute window to edit the question after posting. Long enough to fix a typo; not long enough to rig a result.
One-tap spin-offs
A “Create a similar group” option starts a new chat populated with members from an existing one. Meta suggests splitting off surprise-party planning, event logistics and side topics without cluttering the main chat.
What it means for UAE group chats
WhatsApp is the default messenger in the UAE, and its group chats carry school, community and office announcements. The admin gate is the locally relevant detail: in a 40-member building or school group, only an admin can ping the whole chat. Polls with end times and anonymous voting should also settle the recurring question of where to meet — quietly, and on time.
The updates are rolling out now, to an app MacRumors puts at more than 3 billion users worldwide.
What is the @all mention on WhatsApp?
It notifies everyone in a group chat at once, instead of tagging people one by one. In groups with more than 32 members, only admins can use it.
Can you mute @all notifications on WhatsApp?
Yes. @all messages reach you even in muted chats by default, but you can mute @all separately in the app’s notification settings.
Can you edit a WhatsApp poll after posting it?
The poll question can be edited for up to 15 minutes after posting. Polls can also have an end time that locks voting and hidden voter names.
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