Meta has officially introduced a dedicated WhatsApp application for the Apple Watch, eliminating the need for users to rely on cumbersome workarounds to access the popular messaging service from their wrist. This marks the first time that iPhone users can enjoy a full, native WhatsApp experience on their smartwatch.

The new app allows users to perform several key functions without needing to pull out their iPhone, significantly enhancing convenience:

• View and Reply to Messages: Users can now read the full text of incoming messages and respond directly.
• Voice Messages: The app supports recording and sending voice notes, a feature highly requested by users.
• Notifications and Calls: It delivers call notifications and allows users to stay up-to-date with their chats.
• Enhanced Features: Beyond basic messaging, the watch app includes support for message reactions and displays clearer images and stickers. It also offers the ability to view more of a user’s chat history on the screen.

WhatsApp confirmed that, consistent with its mobile platform, all personal messages and calls made through the Apple Watch app are protected with end-to-end encryption.

Requirements

To utilize the official WhatsApp app, users must have an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer that is running watchOS 10 or a later version of the operating system.

This release follows Meta’s earlier move to expand WhatsApp’s ecosystem by launching a dedicated application for the iPad.