| Cult of Mac

WhatsApp native iPad app takes a big step toward launch

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WhatsApp's native iPad app could arrive soon.
Image: WhatsApp

Meta’s regular updates have made WhatsApp a better iMessage competitor. But the lack of an iPad app has always been the Achilles heel of the messaging service.

This could soon change as WhatsApp’s long-rumored iPad app is finally available, at least in beta.

WhatsApp becomes true FaceTime rival with new Mac app

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WhatsApp for Mac
WhatsApp's native Mac app makes using the messaging service a lot easier.
Photo: WhatsApp

WhatsApp just got a native Mac app that delivers a vastly superior experience than the current Electron-based app. It also supports up to eight people on video calls and 32 on audio calls.

Released Tuesday, WhatsApp’s new native Mac app makes it a better FaceTime alternative, as you can access almost the same set of features across your PC and phone.

You can now use the same WhatsApp account on multiple iPhones

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WhatsApp for iPhone gets Companion mode
Grab the latest WhatsApp for iPhone release to enjoy using Companion mode.
Image: Cult of Mac

You can now use your WhatsApp account on multiple devices. After rolling out Companion mode on WhatsApp for Android, the Meta-owned platform has made the feature available on iPhones.

WhatsApp initially announced Companion mode in late April 2023. But the feature was only available for Android users so far.

WhatsApp finally lets you edit sent messages

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Message editing comes to WhatsApp
You have 15 minutes to edit your WhatsApp message.
Image: WhatsApp

Meta’s popular messaging service, WhatsApp, is bringing an iMessage-like editing feature. You can now edit your WhatsApp messages for up to 15 minutes after sending them.

Apple introduced similar message-editing capabilities to iMessage with iOS 16. However, WhatsApp’s message editing implementation differs from iMessage in many ways.

WhatsApp may let you transfer chat history between iPhones sans iCloud

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WhatsApp's 'Transfer Chats to iPhone' tool will bypass iCloud for chat migration.
Image: WhatsApp

WhatsApp is working on allowing you to transfer your chat history from one iPhone to another without iCloud. A local transfer tool will make WhatsApp chat migration faster and easier.

Currently, your WhatsApp history must be backed up to iCloud before it is transferrable to another device. This is a time-consuming process and also requires you to have enough free space in your iCloud account.

iMessage vs. WhatsApp: Why Apple can’t win the global messaging war

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iMessage vs. WhatsApp comparison
iMessage has its advantages, but WhatsApp is a better communication tool.
Graphics: Rajesh/WhatsApp/Apple

Apple heavily pushes iMessage as the best messaging app on iPhone. However, WhatsApp reigns as the world’s most popular messaging service, with more than 2 billion daily users.

What makes WhatsApp so popular? Should you ditch iMessage and switch to WhatsApp for a superior chatting experience? Find out in this comparison.

WhatsApp’s native Apple silicon Mac app in beta gets a wider release

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WhatsApp's native Apple silicon app is one step closer to release.
Image: WhatsApp

WhatsApp’s beta Apple Silicon Mac app is now available for download to the public through its website. The company has been beta testing its native Mac app through TestFlight for the last few months.

The new app provides a notably better user experience than the existing app of the messaging service. And since it is a native app, it performs much better as well.

WhatsApp for iPhone finally getting picture-in-picture support

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WhatsApp is getting some major call improvements, including support for up to 32 people group video calls.
WhatsApp's video and voice calling experience is about to get a lot better.
Photo: WhatsApp

WhatsApp is finally catching up to FaceTime and adding support for video calls with up to 32 participants. You can also mute or message an individual on a group call.

Up until now, you could use WhatsApp for group voice calls with 32 people. Video calls were limited to 8 people.

And support for Picture-in-Picture is in testing.

WhatsApp finally adds emoji reactions and features for groups

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At first, WhatsApp users will have just six emojis to choose from.
At first, WhatsApp users will have just six emojis to choose from.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Looks like secure chat client WhatsApp just got a little livelier. Its long-promised emoji-based Reactions and newly developed Communities features for organizations rolled out on Thursday.

Users will have six emojis to play with to start. And in addition to new Communities, WhatsApp’s Groups functionality gets a revamp, too.