WhatsApp has introduced a new app specifically designed for the Apple Watch, enabling users to stay connected while on the move. The app, available in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS, allows Apple Watch owners to chat, reply to messages, and interact directly from their wrist.
Unlike its Wear OS counterpart, the initial version of WhatsApp for Apple Watch operates as a companion app and still requires connection to an iPhone. Users who wish to use WhatsApp solely on their watch without the need for their phone will find that the app does not currently offer full independence. Messaging still relies on the iPhone connection, making the experience not yet standalone, but this release marks a significant advancement for WhatsApp on the Apple Watch.
Previously, Apple Watch users could only access WhatsApp through basic notification mirroring, which had limited interaction capabilities. The new companion app enhances the user experience by providing direct access to viewing conversations, sending quick replies, using emojis, and checking media—all without having to wait for a phone notification. These enhancements bring the Apple Watch closer to the level of support seen in other messaging apps on watchOS.
To start using WhatsApp on the Apple Watch, users simply need to ensure that their watch is paired with their iPhone. The pairing process is seamless and automatic, without the need for a QR code. A status indicator on the watch screen shows the connection status, syncing status, and alerts if connectivity to the iPhone is lost. Once connected, users can access their chat list, keep up with recent conversations, and send messages directly from their wrist.
Within the app, users can view messages, media, pinned chats, and disappearing chats clearly marked. Messaging features such as voice messages, voice input for text, emojis, and message reactions are available, along with standard replies located below the chat bar. The notification handling has been improved, allowing users to read, reply, view media, and react to chats directly from notifications, unlike the previous notification-only setup.
While the app for Apple Watch has made significant progress, it does not yet offer the full standalone experience available on WhatsApp’s Wear OS version for Android users. The Apple Watch app remains connected to the iPhone for now, unlike Wear OS which supports independent reading, replying, viewing images, voice messages, and more. As the update is currently in beta testing, additional features may be added in the future, although WhatsApp has not provided any specific details yet.