For a long time, there have been two ways to verify your phone number when setting up WhatsApp on a new phone: with an SMS code or with a call. It looks like there will be another way in the future: automatically with a call.
While WhatsApp can already verify an account with a call, what happens when you do is receive a call where you are told the numbers you need to write down to verify. This whole process will be useless in the future with the automatic verification
WhatsApp automatic verification
WhatsApp bases your account on your phone number, so you need to verify that the number belongs to you by entering a code that is normally sent to you by SMS. If for some reason your mobile cannot receive SMS, you also have the option to receive a whatsapp call.
When you answer the call, a recording dictates the six-digit code number, which you must enter on the verification screen to start using WhatsApp. This is what will eventually change in a future version of WhatsApp.
The difference is that, according to WaBetaInfo surveys, WhatsApp will be able to use the call log to check number automatically
As can be seen from the screenshots, it will still be possible to verify WhatsApp with an SMS, so that this faster and more automatic verification is optional. To use it, you need to allow WhatsApp to handle calls and access the call log. In the information window on this subject, it is indicated that access to the call log will only serve this time to confirm that you have received the call.
At a time when WhatsApp is still in the eye of the hurricane due to privacy changes, it might not be the best time to ask for even more sensitive permissions like the call log, though. than can continue to be verified by SMS, as always. The only difference is in verification by call: instead of having to take the call and interpret the numbers and put them in the box, WhatsApp will do it for you. For the moment, there is no activation date for this new feature.
Via | WaBetaInfo