WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new app that will work on both iPad and Mac. It’s thought to take advantage of Apple’s Catalyst platform, which makes it easier for developers to build universal applications.
The popular messaging service is already available on macOS, but this would be the first native WhatsApp client for iPad. WhatsApp has already started rolling out improved multi-device support that is less reliant on a smartphone.
WhatsApp finally on its way to iPad?
We’ve been waiting years — so many years! — for the ability to keep up with our WhatsApp conversations on iPad. It is possible to use the web-based version of WhatsApp on iPadOS, but it’s hardly an enjoyable experience.
Rumor has it WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook parent company Meta, has been working on a native WhatsApp client for iPad. And now new details on the app, which will reportedly also work on macOS, have emerged.
WABetaInfo, which has proven incredibly reliable in the past, claims WhatsApp is working on a new Catalyst app that will be almost identical on iPad and Mac, but with some interface optimizations for the desktop version.
However, we still don’t have a release date for the app yet, and there’s no public beta for it, either. That suggests the wait for its rollout could continue to drag on for the foreseeable future.
WhatsApp improves multi-device support
WhatsApp has paved the way for an expansion like this with its recent multi-device upgrade. For the first time ever, it’s possible to use your WhatsApp account on more than one device — without being connected to your phone.
Without a native tablet app, however — or the ability to connect more than one smartphone — it’s only really useful for those wanting to keep up with WhatsApp conversations on their desktop for now.
