WhatsApp for Apple Watch Finally Arrives in Beta, Ending Long Wait for Users

WhatsApp has officially launched a dedicated app for Apple Watch. The new application is now available for testing. This move follows the app’s recent release for WearOS devices.

The development was confirmed through the WhatsApp Beta program. According to WABetaInfo, testers can now install the standalone watchOS app. This ends years of user anticipation for native Apple Watch support.

Core Features and Initial Limitations of the New App

The first version focuses on essential messaging functions. Users can read incoming messages and send text replies directly from their wrist. The interface also supports emoji reactions for quick responses.

Voice messaging is a key included feature. You can record and send voice notes without touching your iPhone. The app automatically syncs all your chats from the paired iPhone.

However, the app does not function independently. It requires a constant connection to your iPhone nearby. This mirroring approach is common for first-generation watch apps from messaging platforms.

What the Release Means for the Broader User Base

This beta release signals a significant step in WhatsApp’s platform expansion. It brings Apple Watch functionality in line with competing messaging services. The development narrows the feature gap with Google’s WearOS.

For the vast majority of users, immediate access is not available. The rollout is currently restricted to TestFlight users enrolled in the beta program. There is no official public release date yet.

The hope is for a swift public launch. The lengthy wait for a native iPad app serves as a cautionary tale for Apple ecosystem users.

The arrival of a native WhatsApp app marks a pivotal moment for Apple Watch messaging. This long-anticipated beta brings core communication tools directly to the wrist. Its full public release will finally complete the Apple Watch messaging experience.

Info at your fingertips

What can you do with WhatsApp on Apple Watch?

You can read messages and send text replies. The app also lets you send voice notes and react to messages with emojis.

Does the Apple Watch app work without an iPhone?

No, it does not work independently. The Apple Watch app requires a connection to your nearby iPhone to send and receive messages.

When will WhatsApp for Apple Watch be released for everyone?

There is no confirmed public release date yet. The app is currently in a limited beta testing phase.

How do I get the WhatsApp beta for Apple Watch?

You need to be enrolled in the WhatsApp Beta program via TestFlight. Spots in the beta program are often limited and can fill quickly.

Why did WhatsApp release a WearOS app first?

The company’s development priorities have recently favored the Android ecosystem. This shift led to the WearOS app launching ahead of the Apple Watch version.