WhatsApp has always been reluctant to launch a dedicated app for the iPad or a bigger-screen tablet, primarily because it relied on phone numbers for verification purposes. However, the company overcame its concerns by launching an app that can be used as a companion to the main app. Now, the company has finally teased an iPad app, which could be coming to users sooner than expected.
After years of hesitation, WhatsApp hints at a long-awaited iPad app, giving tablet users new hope
I have been using WhatsApp on my iPhone for years, and only recently I installed the app on my Pixel 8 as a companion app. This allowed me to use WhatsApp on any one of my phones, and all it requires is an internet connection, whether from Wi-Fi or cellular. My Google Pixel 8 does not have a SIM card inserted, as it is a secondary phone I use only for testing beta builds, but one thing is for sure: the WhatsApp experience has never been more seamless.
This brings us to rumors surrounding WhatsApp's app for the tablet. The company is looking to introduce a dedicated iPad app, which will work alongside the iPhone and Mac apps. Today, the official WhatsApp account on X reacted with an eyes emoji to a post mentioning that the company should launch an iPad app. The reaction is an indication or a hint, suggesting that Meta, the parent company behind WhatsApp, is planning to release a dedicated app for iPad.
Take note that the WhatsApp app for iPad has been part of the beta testing via TestFlight for at least 2 years, but the final launch timeframe is not final. We suspect that a WhatsApp app will be used as a companion app and a dedicated app as well for models with cellular capabilities.
We also have to note that one of the primary reasons WhatsApp has yet to release a dedicated iPad app could be attributed to the significantly lower sales volume of iPads than iPhones. The limited user base may not justify the investment and ongoing support required for a standalone iPad version, but it could change going forth. Apart from a standalone WhatsApp app, Meta is also working on a dedicated Instagram app for the iPad, which could prove to be quite useful, especially for those who market their businesses and use an iPad as their go-to productivity-focused device.
If we are lucky, Meta could also release a dedicated app for Threads alongside WhatsApp and Instagram for the iPad, but there are no concrete details available on the matter as of yet. We will let you know when the apps hit the App Store, so be sure to stick around.
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