WhatsApp announced on Tuesday that it is releasing an Apple Watch companion app. For the first time, WhatsApp users will be able to use their Apple Watch to receive incoming call notifications, read full messages, and record and send audio messages.
“This new experience lets you stay on top of your chats without having to pull out your iPhone,” WhatsApp wrote in a blog post. “In addition to reading and responding to messages, WhatsApp on Apple Watch will now support many requested features for the first time.”
Other supported features include the ability to react to messages and the option to see more chat history on screen when reading messages. Plus, you’ll see clearer images and stickers.
As always, the Meta-owned messaging app says that your personal messages and calls are protected with end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp also said it plans to bring more features to Apple Watch in the future.
The new WhatsApp Apple Watch app requires an Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 10 or later.
Tuesday’s announcement comes as no complete surprise, as WhatsApp was spotted testing a new Apple Watch app last week.
WhatsApp has worked to make it easier for users to access its services beyond mobile and desktop. WhatsApp debuted its long-awaited iPad app in May. The app lets you make video and audio calls with up to 32 people, share your screen, and use both the front and rear cameras. Before the app was released, if you wanted to use WhatsApp on your iPad, you had to use the web version in your browser.
The release of WhatsApp’s Apple Watch app comes months after Snapchat released its Apple Watch app as well. The app allows users to preview incoming messages and reply using the keyboard, doodles, dictation, or emojis. Snapchat focuses on using its watchOS app to allow users to quickly respond to messages rather than viewing images and videos.
Source link
