We're used to seeing the message "writing" appear on the top bar of WhatsApp, while the person you're talking to is texting you.
However, in recent days more and more users have reported that the indicator has disappeared. Instead, a microphone appeared on the chat screen. The new feature is currently being tested, and the new update will appear on all users' devices.
“Thanks to the latest beta update of WhatsApp for Android 2.24.21.18, available on Google Play, we found out that WhatsApp is rolling out a new handwriting indicator feature for individual and group chats. Some beta testers can explore a new feature that features a redesign of the typing indicator directly within the chat interface," WaBetaInfo explained in a blog post.
WhatsApp developers have replaced the words "typing..." and "recording audio..." with new icons inside the chat.
"Previously, when a participant was typing in a chat, the indicator would appear at the top of the screen in the app bar, below the group name, indicating who was typing," WaBetaInfo explained. Now three ellipses will appear instead if someone is writing a message and a microphone icon if someone is recording an audio.