After years of waiting, WhatsApp finally landed on the iPad on Tuesday. You can now use Meta’s popular messaging service on your iPad alongside other devices.
Like on the Mac, WhatsApp’s iPad app won’t let you register with a new number. It functions solely as a companion device linked to a primary phone.
WhatsApp’s iPad moment is here
Meta first hinted at WhatsApp’s arrival on the iPad on X less than 24 hours ago, with a playful eyes emoji on a quote retweet.
Unlike WhatsApp for iPhone, you can only use the iPad app in companion mode. This means it will link to the WhatsApp account running on your phone; you can’t register with a separate number even if your iPad features cellular connectivity.
Screenshot: Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac
Otherwise, the experience is the same as on the iPhone. You can reply to personal messages or group chats, make video calls with up to 32 participants, and send voice notes. Even screen sharing works during video calls, and you can use either the front or rear camera while on calls.
To set up WhatsApp on your iPad, follow the same process as other companion devices. You need to scan the QR code displayed on the iPad using WhatsApp on your primary phone. It works seamlessly whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device.
After the initial message syncing, WhatsApp on iPad will work as long as the tablet has an active internet connection. You will even have access to chat lock, with end-to-end encryption being used for all conversations.
To make multitasking easier, WhatsApp for iPad supports Stage Manager, Split View, and Slide Over on compatible models.
WhatsApp made iPad users wait too long
For years, WhatsApp users urged Meta to launch a proper iPad app. Signs of the company working on an iPad app first surfaced in 2019, but nothing happened afterward. Then, in early 2022, WhatsApp chief Will Cathcart said he “would love” to launch a dedicated iPad app, renewing user hopes. It only took three years for the app to finally arrive. It comes after WhatsApp ran a TestFlight beta of the iPad app for the last two years.
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) May 26, 2025
Dedicated iPad app will boost WhatsApp’s popularity in the U.S.
Over the last few years, Meta has worked to improve the WhatsApp messaging experience across all platforms significantly. It rebuilt the Mac app in 2023 to deliver faster performance and added features, like group audio and video calling. Plus, the messaging platform itself gained useful features, including multi-account support, voice message transcription, higher quality voice and video calls, and more.
WhatsApp’s iPhone app also received a refresh last year, giving it a modern look and feel.
In July 2024, WhatsApp surpassed the 100 million monthly active users mark in the U.S. Rapid improvements, including a dedicated iPad app, will only accelerate the platform’s growth and adoption in the country.
Download: WhatsApp for iPad
