WhatsApp Unveils Beta for iPad: Seamless Messaging Across Apple Devices

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 7:35 a.m.

WhatsApp expands its reach with a beta version for iPad, allowing seamless message access across Apple devices. The iPad app mirrors the Mac version, but new account creation remains unavailable. Release details are pending. In the meantime, the iPhone version is readily accessible on the App Store.

WhatsApp, the widely popular instant messaging platform initially designed for smartphones, has undergone a significant evolution by extending its reach to desktops and now iPads. The recent launch of a brand-new macOS version marked a notable expansion of WhatsApp's ecosystem. However, the most recent development has Apple enthusiasts excited as WhatsApp is finally making its way to the iPad, enabling seamless message access across various Apple devices.

According to reports from WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp Beta version available on Apple's TestFlight platform is fully compatible with iPadOS. Prior to this release, iPad users were limited to using the web version, as there was no dedicated iPadOS app, and the iPhone version lacked compatibility with the iPad.

The iPad experience closely mirrors that of the Mac app. Upon installation and launch, users are prompted to scan a QR code using WhatsApp on their mobile phones. Subsequently, the iPad app fetches all existing conversations, enabling message sending and receiving across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Notably, the iPad app remains functional even when the iPhone is out of range or connected to a different Wi-Fi network, aligning with the behavior of the new macOS app.

The iPad version, akin to its desktop counterpart, serves as a companion app. Regrettably, it does not facilitate the creation of new WhatsApp accounts. Nevertheless, the availability of an iPad app for accessing phone messages is a welcome addition for WhatsApp users.

As for the public release of WhatsApp for iPad, details remain somewhat elusive. The beta version is exclusively accessible via TestFlight, a platform with limited slots. Users are eagerly anticipating its debut on the App Store, though it's worth noting that the Mac version took nearly a year to become available to the public.

In the interim, individuals can readily download the current WhatsApp for iPhone version at no cost from the App Store. WhatsApp's expansion to the iPad reflects its commitment to enhancing user convenience and accessibility across a broader range of Apple devices. Stay tuned for updates as the official iPad release draws nearer.