A new update for WhatsApp on iOS, version 25.34.75, brings with it the official release of WhatsApp for Apple Watch app for all users. The app is compatible with watchOS 10.0 and later. With the new app on Apple Watch, you can perform essential messaging functions directly from your wrist including:
- Opening and navigating recent chats.
- Reading messages and accessing chat history.
- Sending quick replies, voice messages, and using emoji reactions.
- Receiving call notifications.
- Checking the latest chats and media instantly.
- Starting new conversations.
- Featuring seamless, auto pairing and sync with a paired iPhone.
Right now, the app is not fully independent from the iPhone. Instead, it works as a companion app, similar to the Wear OS version, requiring a constant connection with the paired phone. For some users, this limitation may feel a bit restrictive, but it"s likely to ensure your data remains encrypted.
The update also includes bug fixes and stability improvements. One improvement is that it addresses crashes reported during the first sync process of the Apple Watch app. The update is available now via the App Store on iOS devices, and the TestFlight version remains available for existing beta testers to continue receiving rapid updates.
To get started using WhatsApp on your Apple Watch, you will need to update WhatsApp to the latest version. Additionally, you need to be on iOS 9.1 or newer, have your watch on watchOS 10+, and have an Apple Watch Series 4 or above.
To enable WhatsApp notifications on Apple Watch, get the two devices connected by enabling Bluetooth on your iPhone and ensuring your Apple Watch is connected to Bluetooth. Then go to the iPhone settings and enable WhatsApp notifications and allow notifications on your iPhone. Next, turn on Allow Notifications and enable all alerts. Then go to the Apple Watch app, go to Notifications, and scroll to Mirror iPhone alerts, then turn on WhatsApp.
Source: WhatsApp via WABetaInfo