WhatsApp introduces native app for iPad, but it is still in beta

WhatsApp has introduced a native version of its app for iPad users. Available to TestFlight users, the app is built using Mac Catalyst and lets you link the WhatsApp account on your iPhone to the iPad, similar to how Companion mode works on Android.

According to WABetaInfo, to install the new native WhatsApp on iPad, you need to have the beta version of WhatsApp installed on your iPhone. Once done, open WhatsApp on your smartphone and head over to the app settings, where you will see a section called ‘Linked devices’. Click on it, tap on the ‘Link a device’ option and scan the QR code using your iPad.

Now, all messages sent and received on your iPad will be synced with your phone. This means you won’t miss out on new notifications and messages even if your phone is not around. Also, all your messages on the linked device will remain end-to-end encrypted, so nobody including WhatsApp can see the contents.

The report also notes that the native WhatsApp app for iPad is still in beta, so you might encounter some bugs like the ability to view and post status updates. The live location feature also seems to be buggy at the moment. However, WhatsApp has confirmed that these problems will be fixed in a future version of the app.

The Indian Express