After years of relying on basic notification support, WhatsApp for Apple Watch is finally here — and this time, it’s a real app, not just an extension of your iPhone’s alerts.
Following last week’s TestFlight leak, Meta has officially rolled out the full WhatsApp watchOS app on the App Store. And yes, it’s packed with all the features we’ve been asking for.
A Full WhatsApp Experience on Apple Watch
Until now, WhatsApp’s Apple Watch “integration” was… generous to call an app. You could only view and reply to notifications, which worked fine for quick responses but offered no real messaging experience.
Now, with the official watchOS version of WhatsApp, you get a lot more than just alerts.
Here’s everything new, straight from Meta’s announcement:
- Call Notifications: See who’s calling you right from your wrist — no need to grab your iPhone.
- Full Message View: Read entire messages, even the long ones, without missing context.
- Voice Messages: Record and send voice notes directly from Apple Watch.
- Emoji Reactions: React to messages instantly using emoji.
- Media Preview: Enjoy clearer photos and stickers optimized for the watch display.
- Chat History: Scroll through more of your recent messages within chats.
And yes — everything remains end-to-end encrypted, even when you’re using it on your wrist.
Requirements and Compatibility
To use the new app, you’ll need:
- An Apple Watch Series 4 or later
- watchOS 10 or newer
- The latest version of WhatsApp on your iPhone
You can download it directly from the App Store now.
Meta has had a rocky relationship with Apple Watch — launching and pulling apps like Messenger and Instagram in the past. But with WhatsApp’s massive user base, this launch feels different. It’s a sign that Meta sees value in keeping WhatsApp deeply integrated with Apple’s ecosystem.
For Apple Watch users, this means fewer interruptions and more independence — especially if you’re out for a run or leaving your phone behind.
It’s about time. WhatsApp’s presence on the Apple Watch should’ve happened years ago, but better late than never. The app already feels like one of the most practical watchOS releases in 2025, especially with support for full chats and voice messages.
If Meta keeps expanding the feature set — like adding chat replies or photo sharing — this could easily become one of the best smartwatch messaging experiences yet.
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