WhatsApp has launched a dedicated app for Apple Watch, now accessible to TestFlight users enrolled in the WhatsApp Beta program. The app currently provides essential features, enabling users to view messages, reply, send voice notes, and react to chats using emojis.
Unlike most apps that debut on Apple devices first, WhatsApp took a different route, releasing its standalone messaging app for WearOS watches before making it available for Apple Watch. As per the latest report from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has at last created a companion app for watchOS.
What to Expect from WhatsApp on Apple Watch?
Being the initial version, the app supports only basic functionalities. Users can receive and respond to messages, send voice notes, and react to texts by long-pressing to choose emojis. However, the app requires an iPhone nearby to operate, as it doesn’t function independently.
It automatically syncs with your iPhone, showing all your chats, including pinned conversations at the top once paired. Since the app is still in beta, it might not be accessible to all users just yet.
Currently, there is no official release date for the public version of WhatsApp for Apple Watch. Hopefully, it won’t take as long as it did to roll out the WhatsApp app for iPad.
FAQ
Yes. WhatsApp has officially launched a dedicated app for Apple Watch, currently available to TestFlight users enrolled in the WhatsApp Beta program. This marks the first time users can directly access WhatsApp features from their Apple Watch.
The initial beta version allows users to view and reply to messages, send voice notes, and react to chats with emojis. However, it still relies on an iPhone connection to function and does not yet support independent messaging.
No, the app currently requires your iPhone to be nearby and paired. It mirrors your phone’s chats, including pinned conversations, to keep everything in sync.
At present, only users participating in the WhatsApp Beta program via TestFlight can access the app. Once testing is complete, WhatsApp is expected to release it publicly on the App Store.
There’s no confirmed release date yet, but the public rollout is expected after successful beta testing. Given the long wait for the iPad app, WhatsApp fans are hopeful the Apple Watch version will arrive sooner.
