WhatsApp iPad support is reportedly being tested as Meta’s platform works to bring the highly anticipated version of its popular chat application to Apple tablets, according to details shared by feature tracker WABetaInfo. The companion mode for iPad comes months after WhatsApp added support for pairing another iPhone or Android device. WhatsApp is also testing a new group calling interface on the latest beta version of Android. The improvements to the group calling interface should make it easier for users to place a call in a group with the maximum number of users allowed by WhatsApp.
The chat application, spotted on WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.19.1.71 by WABetaInfo, can now be installed on an iPad by users who have signed up to receive test versions of the app through Apple’s TestFlight app. WhatsApp currently works on phones running iOS 12 and newer, which means the tablet version should also have a similar iOS version.
Users using the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS should be able to open WhatsApp settings and then tap Paired devices > Pair a device to start the process of pairing a new device in companion mode. WhatsApp then syncs recent messages to your iPad and you can text using your tablet.
WhatsApp beta for iPad is now available for download via the TestFlight app
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
It’s worth noting that like most other platforms where companion mode is supported, you can send and receive messages even if your primary smartphone has no network coverage or is turned off due to low battery.
Meanwhile, WABetaInfo points out that on WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.19.16, the improved calling interface does not Create a bell link option on the Calls tab on the app’s main screen. Instead, the app now shows a New call option that says “Call one or more of your contacts”. Meanwhile, a floating action button (FAB) in the bottom right corner of the interface now includes a plus icon.
You can currently invite up to 15 participants to a group call, while other members can also join until the 32 member limit is reached. While the latest beta still has a 32-member limit for group conversation participants (including the person who starts the conversation), you can now add 32 participants to the conversation from the start, which is expected to reduce confusion for group members, according to the feature -tracker.
Last week, WhatsApp began testing a feature that would allow users to automatically verify security numbers in the app. This new feature is called “Key Transparency” and aims to enable the process of verifying a security number with another WhatsApp user and verifying that the conversation is secure and protected by end-to-end encryption.
