Signal adds conventional chat features to attract a wider audience

The latest version of Signal for iOS (5.3.1) and Android (5.3.7) brings a series of new additions to the increasingly popular encrypted messaging app. This includes conventional features such as chat wallpapers, animated stickers and an “About” section on your profile. The iOS app now handles data more efficiently, too, bringing it closer to feature parity with the Android app.

Messaging apps like Signal and Telegram have seen an increase in growth in recent weeks. Signal was helped by a recommendation from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, while the two benefited from the reaction to Facebook’s confusing new privacy policy for WhatsApp.

New features were first announced on January 11and Android Police reported on the launch of the beta version of Signal for Android last week. With chat wallpapers, you can choose from a series of presets or select a photo of yourself, and you can also set a wallpaper for a specific conversation or for all of them. The beta had 24 animated stickers, according to Android Police.

The iOS app, in turn, is also more efficient with data. IPhone users will see a new setting to reduce data usage during calls, an option to automatically pause attachment downloads during calls, and improved image compression, among other enhancements.

Signal has been a popular message option for those who focus on the security of their communications – the European Commission told the team to switch to Signal in February 2020, for example – and Signal is still focused on launching new features focused on security, such as encrypted group video calls. But more consumer-focused features, such as wallpapers and stickers, can make Signal more accessible to users who access the WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger app and, ideally, keep them on Signal for the long term.