Menlo Park, California: WhatsApp has launched its dedicated companion app for the Apple Watch, now available for download on compatible models.
The Meta-owned platform announced that the new app allows users to send and record voice notes, view full chat messages and history, react to messages, and receive call notifications directly on their smartwatch, all with end-to-end encryption.
Previously, WhatsApp support was limited to Wear OS devices, and Apple Watch users could only view brief notifications mirrored from their iPhones. With this latest release, users can now access full-length messages, browse recent chat history, and see images and stickers directly from the watch.
The app also introduces call notifications for WhatsApp calls, a feature that was not available before, enabling users to identify who is calling without needing to check their phone.
WhatsApp highlighted that the new app delivers ‘many requested features,’ allowing greater independence from the iPhone while maintaining security through encrypted communication.
However, it still relies on proximity to the paired iPhone; it won’t function independently if the watch is out of range. Additionally, while users can record and send voice messages, they must use their phone to listen to incoming voice notes for now.
The WhatsApp Apple Watch app is compatible with Series 4 and newer models running watchOS 10 or later. Users can install it through the Watch app on iPhone after ensuring the latest version of WhatsApp is downloaded, either the stable release or the TestFlight beta.
Once installed, the app syncs automatically without requiring an additional login. Future updates are expected to expand standalone features, potentially allowing WhatsApp use without the phone nearby.
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