WhatsApp Finally Arrives on the iPad, a Decade and a Half after Launch

For over ten years, iPad users have navigated a clunky compromise to access WhatsApp; the web version. This changed yesterday. WhatsApp finally delivered a dedicated app for the iPad, a move that promises to redefine how millions communicate on their tablets.

No longer do users need to keep a browser tab open, draining resources and limiting functionality. A standalone WhatsApp app means real time notifications, a smoother experience, and a host of features previously missing from the web interface.

Imagine making voice and video calls directly from your iPad, or viewing "view-once" media without a glitch. The new app supports these essential functions and more. It also plays well with iPadOS features like Stage Manager, Split View, and Slide Over, making multitasking effortless.

The app handles voice and video calls with up to 32 participants. It taps into both front and rear cameras, offers screen sharing, and integrates with iPad's camera effects like Centre Stage, Studio Light, Reactions, and background adjustments. These additions do not just make WhatsApp more capable, they make it genuinely enjoyable to use.

The interface itself is optimised for the iPad's larger display. Chats feature a split layout, contacts on the left, conversations filling the majority of the screen on the right. Navigation tabs for Updates, Calls, Communities, Chats, and Settings sit conveniently at the bottom. The app even offers transcripts for voice messages, converting audio into text for quick reading.

The WhatsApp app for iPad is now available for download from the Apple App Store. For many, this marks a significant upgrade. Professionals and creatives who rely on their iPads will no longer need to switch devices to respond to urgent messages. This arrival simplifies workflows and enhances connectivity for a broad user base.