WhatsApp has finally released a proper, native app for the Apple Watch. This long-overdue update brings core features like voice messages and full chat history right to your wrist.
What's new with WhatsApp on your wrist?
For years, WhatsApp on an Apple Watch has been a bit of a letdown —a basic notification center. You’d get an alert, maybe see the first line of a message, and that was about it. Anything more, and you had to pull out your iPhone.
Well, it seems Meta finally got the memo and according to their new post, they've just dropped a brand-new, native app for watchOS. This isn't just a minor patch; it's a full-fledged experience designed to make the watch app actually useful.
Key features in the new app
Reading full messages (even the long ones)
Recording and sending voice messages
Seeing who's calling with call notifications
Reacting with emojis
Viewing clearer images and stickers
Scrolling through more of your chat history
This all sounds great, but just keep in mind that you'll need to be on the latest software. The new app requires an Apple Watch Series 4 or later, and you must be running watchOS 10 or newer.
Why is this significant
The new WhatsApp app for Apple Watch. | Image credit — Meta
This is a massive quality-of-life improvement. For millions of people, especially outside the U.S., WhatsApp is their primary messaging app. Being stuck in the iMessage-centric world of the Apple Watch always felt limiting.
Frankly, WhatsApp has been lagging way behind the competition here. Telegram, its biggest rival, has had a surprisingly capable native watch app for ages, letting users browse chats, send voice notes, and even view stickers. This new WhatsApp app feels less like innovation and more like Meta finally playing catch-up to a feature set its competitor has offered for a long time.
Still, its arrival makes the Apple Watch a far more complete device, especially for handling quick replies without your iPhone.
Are you a WhatsApp and Apple Watch user?
I’m a WhatsApp user, but I don’t use an Apple Watch.
9.09%
I’m an Apple Watch user, but I don’t use WhatsApp.
9.09%
I use both WhatsApp and an Apple Watch.
72.73%
I don’t use WhatsApp or an Apple Watch.
9.09%
It's about time
My first thought? Finally! Although I live in the U.S., where WhatsApp is not as big as iMessage, I do communicate a lot with family overseas and WhatsApp is the de facto app to do that. Not being able to send a quick voice message—my preferred way to reply—was kind of an inconvenience on the Apple Watch. This update single-handedly fixes that.
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Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
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