After over a decade of existence on smartphones, WhatsApp is finally rolling out an app made specifically for iPad. Until now, iPad users had to rely on WhatsApp Web to run the messaging service on their tablets, which is a make-do solution that lacks the full suite of features. By contrast, WhatsApp for iPad supports many of the same functions available on the iPhone app, offering a much richer experience.
You can now download the WhatsApp app on your iPad, eliminating the need to keep a browser tab open just to receive messages. A standalone app means you get timely notifications, better experience, and access to features previously unavailable through WhatsApp Web.
For example, you can make voice and video calls, view disappearing media (a.k.a. “view-once” content), and more. WhatsApp for iPad is fully compatible with iPadOS features like Stage Manager, Split View, and Slide Over for multitasking capabilities.
The app supports voice and video calls with up to 32 participants. It also works with both front and rear cameras, offering screen sharing and access to iPad’s camera effects like Center Stage, Studio Light, Reactions, and even background effects to personalize your calls. These additions make WhatsApp for iPad not just more functional, but fun to use.
The user interface is optimized for the iPad’s larger screen, featuring a split layout in chats: contacts on the left and conversations taking majority of the screen on the right. At the bottom, you’ll find navigation tabs for Updates, Calls, Communities, Chats, and Settings. You can also enable transcripts for voice messages to help you transcribe audio messages.
You can download WhatsApp for iPad now from the Apple App Store. Personally, I’m looking forward to using it on my iPad Mini, which is my go-to tablet for browsing and reading. But having a standalone WhatsApp app on a big-screen iPad will be especially useful for creatives and professionals who don’t want to juggle between devices just to reply to time-sensitive messages.
