Meta has officially released a dedicated WhatsApp app for iPad, fulfilling a long-awaited request from users. This launch comes over 15 years after the initial release of WhatsApp and the iPad. The app is now available for download on the App Store.
The iPad version supports key features found in the iPhone app. Users can participate in audio and video calls with up to 32 people. It also allows for screen sharing and utilizes both front and rear cameras.
WhatsApp for iPad is optimized for iPadOS features like Stage Manager, Split View, and Slide Over. This integration enhances multitasking capabilities. Users can now view messages alongside other apps, improving productivity on the larger screen.
Previously, users relied on the web version or desktop apps to access WhatsApp on iPads. Meta's head of WhatsApp, Will Cathcart, acknowledged the demand for a native iPadOS app in 2022. The official WhatsApp account on X hinted at the app's arrival just recently.
Meta is also reportedly developing an Instagram app optimized for iPad. However, the company has not yet officially announced this project.