On Tuesday, WhatsApp revealed the introduction of its companion app for Apple Watch. For the first time, WhatsApp users can now receive call alerts, view complete messages, and both record and send voice notes directly from their Apple Watch.
“With this update, you can keep up with your conversations without needing to reach for your iPhone,” WhatsApp shared in a blog post. “Alongside reading and replying to messages, WhatsApp on Apple Watch now brings several highly requested capabilities for the first time.”
Additional features now available include message reactions and the ability to view more of your chat history at once while reading. You’ll also notice improved clarity for images and stickers.
The messaging platform, owned by Meta, emphasizes that your private messages and calls remain safeguarded by end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp also mentions plans to introduce even more features for Apple Watch users going forward.
To use the new WhatsApp app on Apple Watch, you’ll need a Series 4 or newer model running watchOS 10 or above.
This announcement was somewhat expected, as WhatsApp had been seen testing the Apple Watch app just last week.
WhatsApp has been expanding access to its service beyond just phones and computers. In May, the company launched its long-anticipated iPad app, which supports video and audio calls with up to 32 participants, screen sharing, and both front and rear camera use. Previously, iPad users had to rely on the browser-based web version to use WhatsApp.
WhatsApp’s debut of an Apple Watch app follows Snapchat’s similar move a few months earlier. Snapchat’s app lets users preview incoming messages and reply using the keyboard, Scribble, Dictation, or emojis. However, Snapchat’s watchOS app is designed mainly for quick message responses, not for viewing photos or videos.
