Meta-owned messaging giant WhatsApp has officially launched its long-anticipated Apple Watch app, finally allowing users to stay connected without constantly reaching for their iPhones. The new companion app enables Apple Watch users to receive and respond to messages, get call notifications, and even record and send voice messages directly from their wrists — marking a major step in WhatsApp’s expansion across Apple’s ecosystem.
“This new experience will help you stay on top of your chats without needing to pull out your iPhone,” WhatsApp wrote in a blog post announcing the rollout. “In addition to reading and responding to messages, WhatsApp on Apple Watch now supports many requested features.”
A Full Messaging Experience on the Wrist
For the first time, WhatsApp users can read entire conversations on their Apple Watch, react to messages using emojis, and view more of their chat history without switching to their phones. The app also improves media visibility, displaying clearer images and stickers within chats.
Voice communication is also getting a major boost — users can now record and send voice messages straight from their watch, an addition that enhances convenience for people on the go. Notifications for incoming voice and video calls will also appear on the watch, allowing users to respond immediately or take quick actions without touching their iPhone.
WhatsApp emphasized that all personal messages and calls remain protected with end-to-end encryption, ensuring the same level of privacy and security users expect from the app across all platforms.
Requirements and Compatibility
The new WhatsApp experience is compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and later, running watchOS 10 or newer. Users will need to ensure that their WhatsApp app is updated on their iPhone before linking it to the Apple Watch companion.
The announcement follows reports from last week that WhatsApp was testing the app with a small group of beta users. With the public release now underway, Apple Watch owners globally can begin using the app as part of WhatsApp’s continued effort to expand accessibility beyond smartphones and desktop devices.
Expanding WhatsApp Beyond the Phone
This launch aligns with Meta’s ongoing strategy to make WhatsApp a true multi-device platform. In May, the company rolled out its long-awaited iPad app, which allows users to make video and audio calls with up to 32 participants, share their screens, and switch between the front and rear cameras — all while maintaining end-to-end encryption.
Before that update, iPad users could only access WhatsApp via a browser through WhatsApp Web, which lacked the smooth experience of a native app. With the iPad and now Apple Watch integrations, WhatsApp is positioning itself as a seamless communication platform across all major devices in Apple’s ecosystem.
A Step Toward a More Connected Ecosystem
The arrival of WhatsApp on Apple Watch is not just a convenience upgrade — it’s a significant milestone in Meta’s ambition to make messaging truly universal across devices. As smartwatches increasingly become personal communication hubs, WhatsApp’s deeper integration with Apple’s wearable ecosystem signals a future where users can stay fully connected, hands-free, and phone-free.
The rollout will reach users globally over the coming weeks. For those eager to try it, the new app can be activated through the Watch app on iPhone by selecting WhatsApp from the list of available companion apps and completing the setup process.
