Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram has officially launched a dedicated version of instant messaging platform – WhatsApp, for Apple iPads.
The new app is now available for download on the Apple App Store. It has a native interface optimised for the iPad’s larger display and supports key accessories like the Apple Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
Until now, iPad users could only access WhatsApp via a web-based workaround that required scanning a QR code through the smartphone app.
Meta confirmed that the iPad app offers the full suite of WhatsApp’s core features, including end-to-end encrypted messaging, audio and video calls, and support for up to 32 participants in group calls.
Users can also use screen sharing and seamless switching between front and rear cameras during video calls.
Hereunder are key features of the dedicated WhatsApp for iPad:
Designed to leverage the full potential of iPadOS, WhatsApp for iPad integrates multitasking features such as Split View, Slide Over, and Stage Manager. These tools allow users to run WhatsApp with other apps, resize windows, and manage overlapping tasks more efficiently.
Stage Manager, in particular, enhances productivity by enabling users to group apps, move them around, and resize windows freely. However, this feature is limited to specific models, including the first-generation iPad Pro and newer, as well as the iPad Air M2 and later.
The app also comes with multi-device sync, allowing chats to be seamlessly synced across iPhones, Macs, and other devices without the need to keep a smartphone nearby.
A Chat Lock feature is also included, allowing users to secure sensitive conversations with a passcode or biometric authentication, adding a layer of privacy to the iPad experience.
System Requirement:
WhatsApp for iPad requires iPadOS 15.1 or later and is compatible with various iPad models that support the latest multitasking and accessory features.
iPad models that do not support iPadOS 15 include the iPad first to fourth generation, iPad mini first to third generation, and iPad Air first generation.
