WhatsApp’s update will include enhanced video calling iTunes

According to BGR , Whatsapp iOS version 2.12.16.2 may include video calling. BGR cited a German source who provided key data and photos. The German blog used leaked screenshots to prove its point that WhatsApp has video calling in development. The new update is rumored to be in the testing phase. If the developers finalize the details of the design, consumers will see it in the next update in 2016. WhatsApp has not confirmed any addition of video calling so far. Currently WhatsApp allows users to video call with an internet connection only. The update will enable video calling online and offline.

Adding video to WhatsApp will position the app to compete with video app services likeSkype and Apple ’s FaceTime . While Skype does have text chat enabled on the app, the company is known for its video calling. WhatsApp was started as a text and conference messaging app back in 2009. Facebook acquired the company for a reported $19 billionin 2014.

The Whatsapp update follows a virus that infected the app in Apple’s app store. Whatsapp was among iOS apps infected with the The XcodeGhost virus. virus is infecting almost 50 apps including WeChat , NetEase Cloud Music, WinZip , Didi Chuxing, Railway 12306 , China Unicom Mobile Office, and Tonghuashun. According toMacrumors.com , devices infected with XcodeGhost malware can have information copied, encrypted and uploaded data to command and control (C2) servers run by hackers through the HTTP protocol.

In a statement released to Reuters news service, Apple responded to public concern about the XcodeGhost virus. “We’ve removed the apps from the App Store that we know have been created with this counterfeit software. We are working with the developers to make sure they’re using the proper version of Xcode to rebuild their apps.”

Apple also created a XcodeGhost question and answer page for concerned consumers. On the page Apple said “As soon as we recognized these apps were using potentially malicious code we took them down. Developers are quickly updating their apps for users.” The company also said. “Customers will be receiving more information letting them know if they’ve downloaded an app that could have been compromised. Once a developer updates their app, that will fix the issue on the user’s device once they apply that update.”