MESSAGING may become more accessible to millions as Meta-owned company WhatsApp teases a new update to its services.
Responding to a post on X with the “eyes” emoji, the official WhatsApp account hinted a new app may be on the way.
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This has been a long-awaited moment for tech fans and users who have been requesting the feature for years.
The original post to X from a user wrote in April: “they should add whatsapp on iPad”.
The company just responded with the single emoji, which has sparked several reactions in the comments.
One wrote: “Please do it!
“Make WhatsApp on iPad I need it for work.”
Another added: “I can’t believe it’s not on iPad yet.
“If it can port to the Mac, I have no idea how it’s not yet on the biggest selling tablet?”
WhatsApp has been available on the phone, computer, and even smart fridge.
However, despite being one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, it has never had an iPad-specific app available.
A native WhatsApp app for the iPadOS has been in beta testing for nearly two years, via Apple’s TestFlight programme.
New testers have not been able to join though as the beta program is currently at capacity, and the testing period was extended.
Those who have had access report a predominantly stable and successful experience.
The new app for iPad includes an exciting “companion mode” which is expected to provide users the ability to access their WhatsApp conversations independently, even if their iPhone is not connected to the internet.
As a result, it will work on its own and retain end-to-end encryption for all calls and chats.
An interface optimised for the iPad’s larger display is also expected, with a more intuitive and visually appealing experience than using the phone, computer or web version.
As no official release has been announced, an exact launch date cannot be confirmed for the iPad app.
However, the social media update is a good suggestion of a marketing response that is coming from Meta regarding the app’s potential.
It also comes after WhatsApp also recently made an update to its application with a new voice chats feature for groups.
The feature allows members of a group chat to seamlessly hop in and out by connecting live over audio without having to switch to a call or leave the group.
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