It was recently discovered that WhatsApp was testing a version of its messaging platform for the Apple Watch. At the time, it was unclear when the company would be releasing the app to the public. As it turns out, the launch was a lot closer than it seemed. The official WhatsApp app for Apple Watch has arrived, allowing users to access some messaging features without needing to reach for their iPhones.
According to the company, the app lets users see more of their chat history when scrolling through messages. Speaking of which, messages are displayed in their entirety. Aside from reading messages, users can also send replies directly from the Apple Watch. Emoji reactions are also supported.
Beyond responding via text and emojis, users can also record and send voice messages. It is worth noting that while users can respond to existing chats, the current iteration of the app does not seem to allow users to initiate new conversations.
Other features include call notifications, which lets the user see who is calling. In addition to this, WhatsApp mentions “clearer images and stickers” as some of the perks. As per usual, the company assures that the users’ personal messages and calls remain private with end-to-end encryption.
While the current selection of features does seem limited, WhatsApp promises that it is working to add more functionality to the app. In the meantime, the app is available for the Apple Watch Series 4 and later. The watch must also be running watchOS 10 or later. Of course, it must also be paired with an iPhone with the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
(Source: WhatsApp press release)
