Exciting news for iPad users: Native WhatsApp app on the horizon

Apple's iPads have long been without the native app version of the widely-used instant messenger WhatsApp, leaving users to access the Meta-owned platform via the web version on their tablets. In contrast, Android tablets have enjoyed support for the native WhatsApp app. However, the patience of iPad users is about to be rewarded, as WhatsApp for iPad is currently under development, as reported by WABetainfo. 

Exciting news for iPad users: Native WhatsApp app on the horizon

WhatsApp had previously introduced a native app for Mac just last month. The beta version of WhatsApp for iPad has been identified in TestFlight. According to WABetainfo, users must be part of the WhatsApp Beta program on iOS to gain access to the iPad version, with the beta version number for iOS being 23.19.1.71.

The publication has also provided a glimpse of the native WhatsApp for iPad interface. It follows the same split-screen design as the Windows and Mac apps, albeit with a few distinctions. The chat, settings, calls, and status tools are positioned in the bottom-left toolbar.

To set up WhatsApp on an iPad, users are required to have WhatsApp Beta installed on both their iPhone and iPad. They must initiate WhatsApp on the iPhone, select the option to link a device, and scan the QR code displayed on the iPad by opening the instant messenger on that device. Once the linking process is complete, users can utilize WhatsApp on their iPad without needing their iPhone to remain connected to the internet.

WhatsApp for iPad functions similarly to companion mode, allowing users to link their Android devices to the Apple tablet. This ensures that WhatsApp synchronizes chats across all connected devices. WABetainfo notes that WhatsApp's iPad version currently has limited functionality, akin to the native Mac app. Users cannot share their live location or post status updates, although these features are expected to become available in the future.

At present, there is no official word on when the stable release of WhatsApp for iPad will be made available to the public.

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