WhatsApp for Android beta has started rolling out a new update that brings app shortcuts. The update is currently available for version v2.17.277 for Android.
The new feature was first spotted by Android Police. App shortcuts will allow users to open in-app camera, starred messages and new chat without opening the WhatsApp app. Users can simply long press the WhatsApp icon on their device that will launch shortcuts for the three aforementioned actions. You can further pin these shortcuts individually to your home screen. The app shortcuts feature is pretty basic and I am not sure how many people will actually use it. It is currently available for beta users and it is pretty likely will soon be available for the main WhatsApp.
The app Shortcuts feature was introduced in Android 7.0 Nougat, but, users can access the feature on Android 6.0 Marshmallow as well using compatible launchers like Nova and Action.