Google Messages is gearing up for a major upgrade with the addition of WhatsApp video call integration. This new feature, discovered in a recent APK teardown, will allow users to initiate WhatsApp video calls directly from the Messages app, offering a seamless way to communicate without switching between platforms.
WhatsApp Video Calls in Google Messages
The integration works by adding a WhatsApp video call button in the top-right corner of one-on-one chat screens. If both users have WhatsApp installed, tapping this button will launch a WhatsApp video call instantly. This move enhances convenience, allowing users to stick with their preferred messaging app while enjoying video call capabilities within Google Messages.
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However, the feature is currently limited to individual chats. In group conversations or if the recipient doesn’t have WhatsApp installed, the Messages app will default to Google Meet for video calls. This ensures that users always have a video calling option available, regardless of the platform their contacts use.
Not True Interoperability, But a Step Forward
While this integration creates a bridge between Google Messages and WhatsApp, it is not full-fledged interoperability. Instead, it serves as a shortcut, allowing users to initiate WhatsApp video calls without leaving the Messages app. This is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to make its messaging service more competitive in an ecosystem dominated by apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage.
Google has been actively improving Messages with features such as RCS support, secure cross-platform messaging, dual SIM RCS compatibility, native backup tools, and even RCS support for 911 emergency services. The addition of WhatsApp video call integration further strengthens its position as a viable alternative to other messaging apps.
Future Possibilities
The exact functionality of this feature may evolve before its official release. One key improvement Google could introduce is giving users the option to choose between WhatsApp and Google Meet for video calls, even when both parties have WhatsApp. This would provide more flexibility, catering to users who prefer Google Meet over WhatsApp’s video calling service.
There is no confirmed release date for the WhatsApp video call feature in Google Messages, but since it has already been uncovered in the latest APK version (v20250131), it is likely in active development. A rollout is expected in the coming weeks.
A Major Shift in Google’s Messaging Strategy
Google’s decision to integrate WhatsApp signals a shift in its approach to messaging. Instead of solely pushing its own video calling services like Google Meet or the now-defunct Duo, Google is embracing third-party platforms that dominate the market. This could make Google Messages a more attractive option for Android users, particularly in regions where WhatsApp is the primary messaging app.
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With Apple still refusing to adopt RCS in iMessage, Google is taking bold steps to enhance its messaging platform, ensuring it remains relevant in the competitive digital communication space. By making Google Messages more interoperable with widely used services, the company is positioning itself as a true messaging hub for Android users.