WhatsApp’s multi-device support development is looking to be progressing quite well. According to WABetaInfo (via Twitter), the Facebook-owned private messaging platform is currently working on a beta update which will expand the list of compatible devices to include both iPad and Android-based tablets.
As most of us are aware prior to this, so far the only allowed non-phone devices that can be linked to a single WhatsApp account are personal computers such as desktops, laptops or Macs. Users can access their chats outside of their phone via the web client, desktop app or Facebook’s Portal platform by first scanning a QR code that is displayed on these devices.
While the linking process for iPad and Android tablets weren’t detailed by WABetaInfo, it is likely that the steps would be similar to a degree – especially via web and Portal. The publication also claims that WhatsApp will release a dedicated app for multi-device use on both tablet platforms, but did not mention an expected date of availability. It’s worth noting that even though iPad and Android tablets do support the main WhatsApp mobile app, a dedicated account (and number) on these devices are required in order to access all features.
The inclusion of tablet support is also reflected in the main app’s list of paired devices, where users can keep track of recent logins. As you may recall from our previous report, WhatsApp also appears to be enhancing user authentication for the multi-device feature by including biometric-based verification, among other things. Another worthwhile feature that it plans to introduce is the ability for users to seamlessly chat on all linked devices without requiring their phone to be connected to the internet.
• Is WhatsApp for iPad a web app? No, it's a native app!
• Will WhatsApp for iPad work independently? Yes.
• Is WhatsApp for iPad already available? No.
• WhatsApp beta for iPad? If you have WhatsApp beta for iOS, you will automatically have the iPad version in the future. https://t.co/aQYBBtW7SbADVERTISEMENT
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) August 21, 2021
Unfortunately, there’s still no word on whether the platform is planning to allow users to link multiple phones to a single account. But seeing that tablet devices are soon to be added into the list, the possibility for the future inclusion of smartphones may not be far off.
Much like before, all of the existing and upcoming multi-device functionalities are only available in the beta version of WhatsApp. It is not known when the private messaging platform plans to have the feature available to the public.
