A dedicated WhatsApp app is now available on iPad. It only took 15 years to get to this point, but let’s appreciate the smaller things in life. Meta has finally launched the native iPad app, meaning you can install the client from the App Store, link it to your mobile app, and chat away.
Up to now, if you wanted WhatsApp on iPad, you had to settle for using the web browser version. This came with its own set of challenges, including limited notification support and constantly being logged out or kicked from your session due to how a web browser refreshes in the background.
The WhatsApp for iPad app is the fully fledged version. I installed it, and it was essentially the same experience as any other dedicated app. Once signed in, the app received all my notifications from my ongoing chats, similar to the macOS client and iPhone app.
The iPad support also means the app comes with video and audio calling. You can host video calls with up to 32 people and use both the front and back camera. You can also screen share on the iPad while you’re on a call.
The app also works with all of the iPad features, including Stage Manager, Split View, and Slide Over. This means it can run while you’re doing other stuff, making it just as efficient as the desktop app. Yes, these are all things that are likely expected by now, but Meta has really dragged its feet building a dedicated iPad app. Not sure why.
Rumours of the app already began swirling online back in 2022 when the WhatsApp head, Will Cathcart, commented on a question from fans asking for the app. He said that Meta would “love” to develop a native iPadOS WhatsApp experience and that it has been a long time coming.
If you want to grab the app, head to the App Store here and download it.
