WhatsApp finally launches beta app for iPad

The popular WhatsApp messenger was developed specifically for smartphones. Over the years, however, the app has become available on desktop, with a brand new version released for macOS last month. Now WhatsApp is finally coming to iPad, allowing users to access their messages on any Apple device.

Whatsapp now has a beta app for iPad

As reported by WABetaInfo, the latest version of WhatsApp beta available on Apple TestFlight, compatible with iPadOS. Previously, iPad users had to use the web version because there was no iPadOS app and the iPhone version was not compatible with Apple's tablet.

9to5Mac has confirmed that WhatsApp is now in beta running on iPad in the same way as the Mac app. Once you install and open the app, it will ask you to use WhatsApp on your phone to scan a QR code. The app will then download all your conversations, and you'll be able to send and receive messages on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

The iPad app works even if your iPhone isn't nearby or connected to it. Wi-Fi network, also similar to the new macOS app. The interface takes advantage of the iPad's larger screen to display more content in columns. The first hints that WhatsApp was working on an iPad app surfaced online in 2021.

However, as you may have noticed, the iPad version (like the desktop version) is just a companion app. This means that you will not be able to create a new WhatsApp account from it. Regardless, having an iPad app to access your phone's messages is already good news for WhatsApp users.

Accessibility

Unfortunately, it is not yet clear when WhatsApp for iPad will become generally available. The beta version is only available through TestFlight and is quite difficult to access as the number of slots is very limited. Let's hope it won't be long before it hits the App Store. (The Mac version took almost a year to release, however.)

In the meantime, you can download the current version of WhatsApp for iPhone for free on the App Store.