It’s official: WhatsApp is now available as a native app for iPad, marking a historic shift in Meta’s approach to iPad support.
WhatsApp for iPad Finally Launches on App Store After Years of Waiting
Just a day after teasing the release with an eyes emoji on X , the company quietly dropped WhatsApp version 25.16.81 on the App Store, with iPad support baked in.
What’s New in WhatsApp for iPad?
The new iPad version of WhatsApp takes full advantage of the tablet’s larger screen. You get a clean two-column layout, with your conversation list on the left and the selected chat open on the right, much like the Mac or web experience.
It also includes proper iPadOS multitasking support, such as:
- Split View
- Slide Over
- Picture in Picture (PiP)
These features make WhatsApp feel like a natural part of the iPad experience, finally allowing users to chat while working, browsing, or watching content.
A Major Shift in Meta’s iPad Strategy
Meta has long held out on bringing its core social apps to the iPad. While iPhone users have enjoyed full WhatsApp functionality for years, iPad users have been stuck using workarounds or third-party tools to access messages on their tablets. Instagram, another Meta-owned platform, still hasn’t launched a native iPad app, despite years of user demand.
That makes this release particularly significant. WhatsApp for iPad doesn’t just fill a glaring hole in Meta’s app ecosystem, it hints at a broader shift. Perhaps Instagram for iPad isn’t far behind.
The 404 Take
As someone who gave up hoping for this years ago, I’ll admit, I was surprised. The X teaser gave a glimmer of hope, but I didn’t think we’d see a release so soon. It’s a welcome addition, and it raises the question: what other Meta apps might finally come to iPad next?
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