WhatsApp is testing a global voicemail feature on Android that would allow users to continue listening to voicemail messages even when switching between chats. The instant messaging app currently stops playing a voicemail message when a user leaves the chat where that particular message is available. The update appears to allow playing voicemail messages in the background. In recent months, WhatsApp has improved the voicemail experience to convince its users to exchange more voicemail messages on the platform.

According to a WhatsApp Beta Tracking report WABetaInfo, WhatsApp Beta 2.22.3.1 for Android contains references to the Global Voicemail feature. The functionality has not yet been made available to beta testers, however.

WABetaInfo shared a screenshot to suggest the feature. It shows an audio player interface with the ability to pause, resume, and reject the voicemail that would appear at the top of the chat list. There is also a progress bar to show the movement of the audio.

WhatsApp for Android appears to have a new voicemail experience in tests
Photo credit: WABetaInfo

The feature appears to allow users to continue listening to voicemail messages when they switch to the default chat screen. Alongside Android, iOS users seem to have the same experience that WABetaInfo suggested appearing on Apple’s platform in October of last year.

The exact details of when WhatsApp will bring enhanced voicemail have not yet been revealed. It’s also unclear when the feature will be available for beta testers on Android and iOS platforms.

Last month, WhatsApp rolled out a voicemail preview feature to allow users to review recordings before sending them to their contacts. It also recently brought waveforms for voice messages and enabled playback speed support for audio messages.