Meta’s regular updates have made WhatsApp a better iMessage competitor. But the lack of an iPad app has always been the Achilles heel of the messaging service.
This could soon change as WhatsApp’s long-rumored iPad app is finally available, at least in beta.
WhatsApp for iPad app enters beta testing
WABetaInfo reports the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.19.1.71 released on TestFlight features iPad support. If you are a part of WhatsApp’s TestFlight program, you can grab the beta from there. You can set up WhatsApp on your iPad as a companion device. This will require you to scan the displayed QR code on the iPad from the primary device on which the messaging service is active.
Photo: WABetaInfo
Once set up, WhatsApp on your iPad will receive messages, regardless of whether your phone is online or not. All your chats will be end-to-end encrypted, so there’s no privacy risk. The report states there are some bugs in the app’s current version, but that’s understandable since it is in beta.
WhatsApp could soon become a better iMessage competitor
WhatsApp’s iPad app has been long overdue, with rumors popping up as far back as 2019. Will Cathcart, the messaging service chief, claimed in January 2022 that Meta “would love” to deliver a native iPad app.
WhatsApp recently released a native Mac app with support for group calls and other new features. The iPad app is likely based on the same code, as the desktop app is built using Catalyst, which can also run on iPadOS.
Meta typically tests new WhatsApp features on the beta channel for a few weeks before commencing a public rollout. So, it’s possible the native WhatsApp app for iPad could debut before the end of this year.
