What's happened
WhatsApp has released a dedicated app for iPad, enabling video and audio calls with up to 32 participants, screen sharing, and multitasking features. This app syncs with users' other devices while maintaining end-to-end encryption. The app is now available for download on the App Store as of May 27, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Key Features of the New WhatsApp iPad App
- Multitasking Capabilities: Users can utilize iPadOS features like Stage Manager and Split View, allowing simultaneous app usage.
- Enhanced Communication: The app supports group calls with up to 32 participants, catering to larger gatherings.
- Device Synchronization: Users can maintain continuity across devices, ensuring messages and calls are synced.
Implications for Users
The introduction of a dedicated iPad app signifies WhatsApp's commitment to improving user experience on tablets, which has been a long-awaited feature. This move may attract more users who prefer using tablets for communication, especially in professional settings. Furthermore, the integration of advanced multitasking features positions WhatsApp as a competitive player in the messaging app market, particularly against rivals like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, which already offer robust functionalities for group communications.
What the papers say
According to TechCrunch, the new WhatsApp app allows users to make video and audio calls with up to 32 people and utilize iPadOS multitasking features. This development comes after a period where iPad users were limited to the web version of WhatsApp. The app's launch was hinted at by Meta's WhatsApp account on X, indicating a strategic push to enhance user engagement on iPads. In contrast, Gulf News highlights the significance of recent updates in Apple's ecosystem, including iOS 18.5, which also enhances connectivity features. This broader context of updates in Apple's software landscape underscores the competitive environment in which WhatsApp is operating, as it seeks to leverage new functionalities to attract users.
How we got here
Prior to this launch, iPad users could only access WhatsApp through a web browser. The new app aligns with WhatsApp's strategy to enhance user experience across devices, particularly with iPadOS features.
Go deeper
- What features does the new WhatsApp iPad app offer?
- How does this app compare to WhatsApp on other devices?
- What are the benefits of using WhatsApp on an iPad?
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