- What is it? A native WhatsApp app designed specifically for iPad
- Who is it for? iPad users seeking a full-featured WhatsApp experience
- How much does it cost? Free
- What makes it special? The fact that it finally exists
We’d all but given up hope, but just a short 15 years after the iPad launched, Meta has decided to build a version of WhatsApp for iPadOS. It has been a strange omission over the years, with WhatsApp available natively on various other devices, including computers, for a while now. But for whatever reason, the iPad has been overlooked – until now.
This release brings the full suite of WhatsApp features to Apple’s tablet, including messaging, voice and video calls with up to 32 participants, screen sharing, and support for both front and rear cameras. It might feel like a small step, but it will be a welcome one to the millions of daily WhatsApp users who also own an iPad.
The app is optimized for the larger display, featuring a two-column layout that displays your chat list alongside active conversations. It also supports iPadOS multitasking features like Split View, Slide Over, and Stage Manager, allowing users to use WhatsApp alongside other apps seamlessly.
Importantly, the app operates independently of your iPhone. Once linked via QR code, it syncs your messages and media, enabling you to use WhatsApp on your iPad even when your phone is offline. All communications remain protected with end-to-end encryption, and features like chat lock provide additional privacy on shared devices.
For iPad users, this native app eliminates the need for workarounds like using WhatsApp Web or relying on the desktop app, offering a more integrated and convenient messaging experience. It’s available now on the App Store. Finally!