WHATSAPP BRINGS NATIVE MESSAGING TO IPAD WITH LONG-AWAITED APP LAUNCH

Imagine firing up your iPad to chat with friends, join a video call, or share your screen, all without fumbling through a browser or mirroring your iPhone.

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That vision became reality earlier this week when WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging giant with over 3 billion users worldwide, officially launched its native iPad app on the Apple App Store.

For iPad owners, tech enthusiasts, and the global WhatsApp community, this release ends a 15-year wait since the app's 2009 debut, delivering a tablet-optimized experience tailored to iPadOS in the $1.5 trillion mobile app market.

The app, available now, supports end-to-end encrypted chats, group video calls with up to 32 participants, and iPad-specific features like Stage Manager and Apple Pencil compatibility, transforming how users connect on Apple's tablets. After years of beta testing and cryptic teasers, including a notable “eyes” emoji posted on X, WhatsApp’s iPad debut marks a significant milestone.

WHATSAPP’S IPAD APP: KEY FEATURES

The native WhatsApp app for iPad, released on the App Store, brings the platform's core messaging and calling capabilities to tablets, fully optimized for iPadOS. Users can make audio and video calls with up to 32 people, share screens, and use front or rear cameras, features previously limited on the web-based version. The app supports Companion Mode, allowing independent operation without an active iPhone connection, syncing chats seamlessly across devices while maintaining end-to-end encryption. Designed to leverage the iPad’s larger screen, the app features a two-column layout, with contacts and group chats on the left and selected conversations on the right, mirroring Apple's Messages app.