Soon, WhatsApp will be fully accessible on your Apple Watch as a companion app, meaning you’ll get much more than just basic notifications. The Meta-owned instant messaging service is currently allowing a select group of beta testers to experience the app on their Apple Watch. iPhone users who are part of the TestFlight program can reportedly try out these new functionalities after installing the latest beta release. The app empowers users to read messages, respond with text and emoji reactions, and even send new messages without ever needing to open WhatsApp on their iPhone.
WhatsApp’s Companion App for Apple Watch: Seamless Conversations on Your Wrist
According to the reliable feature tracker WABetaInfo, the popular instant messaging platform has developed a dedicated companion app specifically for the Apple Watch. This app is reportedly being rolled out through the TestFlight beta Program, arriving with WhatsApp beta version 25.32.10.71 for iOS. While currently available to a limited number of beta testers, it is expected to reach more devices in the coming weeks.
This standalone WhatsApp app for Apple Watch allows you to effortlessly read and reply to messages, view media previews, and react with emojis directly from your wrist. Designed to work hand-in-hand with your iPhone, the app requires a device running watchOS 10 or a newer version.
WABetaInfo further notes that the integration between WhatsApp and Apple Watch is completely automated. Users won’t need to scan a QR code to access their messages on their watch. As long as your Apple Watch remains paired with your iPhone, the app is designed to connect automatically, and a handy indicator in the top-left corner of the screen will show you the sync status.
In other news, WhatsApp is also actively developing a new feature that will enable users to set a unique cover photo for their profile, much like on other social platforms. This upcoming feature was first spotted in WhatsApp beta 2.25.32.2 for Android. Additionally, a new tool designed to simplify device storage management was found in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.31.13. The messaging app might also soon introduce limits on the number of messages that can be sent in new chats, potentially to combat spam or misuse.