Google Messages May Soon Support WhatsApp Video Calls: What You Need to Know
Google Messages, the default messaging app on many Android phones, might soon allow users to make WhatsApp video calls directly from within the app. This potential new feature was discovered through an APK teardown by Android Authority, which suggests that Google is working on integrating WhatsApp into its Messages app for easier communication.
This move could significantly improve how people communicate across different platforms, making it more convenient to switch between messaging and video calls. Currently, Google Meet is the default video call option in Google Messages, but this update could change that. Let’s take a closer look at what this integration means, how it might work, and what it could mean for users worldwide.
How Video Calls Work in Google Messages Right Now
As of now, when you want to make a video call from Google Messages, the app automatically directs you to Google Meet. This applies to both individual and group chats. If the person you’re calling does not have Google Meet installed, they receive a prompt to download it before they can join the call.
For group video calls, Google Meet remains the only option available. This means that everyone in a group chat must rely on Meet if they want to communicate over video. While Meet is a powerful tool, it is often associated with work meetings and professional settings rather than casual conversations with friends and family.
What’s Changing?
According to the latest version of Google Messages (v20250131), Google is testing a new feature that lets users choose between Google Meet and WhatsApp for one-on-one video calls. If the person you’re messaging also has WhatsApp installed on their device, you may soon see an option to start a video call using WhatsApp directly from Google Messages.
Here’s how it might work:
- When you tap the video call button in a one-on-one chat, Google Messages will show you an option to choose between Google Meet and WhatsApp.
- If the recipient has WhatsApp installed, you can select it and launch a video call directly through WhatsApp.
- If the recipient does not have WhatsApp, the call will default to Google Meet.
- Group chats will still rely on Google Meet for video calls—there is no indication yet that WhatsApp will be integrated into group video calls within Google Messages.
Why WhatsApp?
The decision to integrate WhatsApp into Google Messages, if finalized, makes a lot of sense. Here’s why:
- WhatsApp’s Popularity: WhatsApp has a massive user base, with around 2 billion active users worldwide. It is one of the most widely used messaging and video calling apps, making it a natural choice for Google to integrate.
- More Everyday Use: Unlike Google Meet, which is often associated with work and professional meetings, WhatsApp is a go-to app for personal conversations and casual video calls.
- Better Cross-Platform Communication: Many people rely on multiple messaging apps, and having the ability to switch between Google Messages and WhatsApp seamlessly would enhance user experience.
What This Means for Users
If this integration becomes official, it could have several benefits:
- More Choices: Users would no longer be restricted to Google Meet for video calls. Instead, they could choose WhatsApp, which many people prefer for personal video calls.
- Convenience: Instead of switching between different apps manually, users could initiate WhatsApp video calls directly from Google Messages.
- Better Connectivity: With WhatsApp being widely used across different regions and demographics, this integration could make it easier for people to stay connected without worrying about app compatibility.
Is This Feature Confirmed?
While this discovery is exciting, it’s important to note that APK teardowns often reveal experimental features that may or may not be released to the public. Google has not officially announced this integration yet, and there is no confirmed timeline for when (or if) it will be rolled out.
In the past, many features spotted in APK teardowns have taken months or even years to be implemented—some never make it to the final release at all. So, while this is an exciting possibility, users should wait for an official announcement before expecting it to appear on their devices.
Google Messages and Third-Party Integrations
If Google does move forward with this integration, it would mark a significant shift in the way Google Messages handles video calls. Until now, Google has primarily relied on its own services, such as Duo (which later merged with Meet) and Meet, for video calling within Messages.
Allowing a third-party service like WhatsApp to be integrated into Google Messages would be a major step. It could indicate that Google is becoming more open to supporting widely used apps beyond its own ecosystem, which could lead to more cross-platform compatibility in the future.
What’s Next?
At this point, there are several questions that remain unanswered:
- Will this feature be available globally, or will it be tested in specific regions first?
- Will Google allow other messaging apps, like Telegram or Signal, to be integrated in the future?
- How will Google ensure privacy and security when integrating third-party apps like WhatsApp?
- Will this feature be available on iPhones, or will it be exclusive to Android devices?
While we don’t have clear answers yet, one thing is certain—if this integration goes live, it will make Google Messages a much more powerful and flexible communication tool.
Conclusion
Google Messages may soon give users the ability to make WhatsApp video calls directly from the app, based on code found in an APK teardown. This integration could provide a smoother and more convenient way to communicate, reducing the need to switch between different apps for messaging and calling.
However, since Google has not officially announced this feature, its future remains uncertain. Users should stay tuned for updates from Google regarding its availability.
If released, this feature would be a game-changer, making Google Messages even more user-friendly while allowing it to compete with other messaging platforms in a more open and flexible way. Until then, we’ll have to wait and see how this unfolds!
