Meta has announced the launch of a dedicated WhatsApp app for the iPad — a long-requested feature. The new app, released globally on Wednesday via the Apple App Store, offers the same functionality as the iPhone version of WhatsApp.
With the new iPad app, users can make video and audio calls with up to 32 people, share their screen, and switch between the front and rear cameras. Until now, using WhatsApp on an iPad required accessing the web version through a browser.
The app also allows users to keep everything in sync across their iPhone, Mac, and other devices. Personal messages, calls, and media remain protected with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption.
As a native iPad app, it takes full advantage of iPadOS multitasking features such as Stage Manager, Split View, and Slide Over. These features allow users to view multiple apps simultaneously, send messages while browsing the web, or research options for a group trip while on a call. On smartphones, users would typically have to switch away from WhatsApp to perform these kinds of tasks.
WhatsApp also notes that the new iPad app works seamlessly with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
For years, Meta had not given a concrete answer as to why it hadn’t brought the world’s most popular messaging platform to the iPad — arguably the best-selling tablet on the market. WhatsApp debuted on the Apple App Store in 2009, six months before the iPad was introduced. Meta (formerly Facebook) acquired WhatsApp in 2014 but still never released a dedicated iPad app.
It wasn’t due to a lack of resources, but rather other factors that Meta never publicly addressed. Consumers had long wanted WhatsApp to run natively on the iPad. While the WhatsApp web client could be accessed on Apple’s tablet, users couldn’t use the front or rear cameras or make full-featured video calls.
Sure, WhatsApp was always available on the iPhone, but that version couldn’t run on the iPad due to Apple’s restrictions on “telephony” apps. Now, with a dedicated iPad app, WhatsApp is optimised for the iPad’s larger screen, and users no longer need to rely on the web-based version of the platform.
WhatsApp has more than 3 billion monthly active users, with India being the largest market, with an estimated 535.8 million users.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
Find all stories by Anuj Bhatia here.
You can find Anuj on Linkedin. ... Read More
