WhatsApp has pushed a major update for CarPlay users who use the instant messaging platform while driving. The latest WhatsApp iOS update (version 26.13.74) includes WhatsApp for CarPlay, a native app designed for improved calling and messaging on CarPlay.
The company is calling it a "major update" on the App Store. It has created a new event to highlight the launch, stating that WhatsApp for CarPlay makes it easier to call or message your friends, family, and groups. It added that the new app is simple, reliable, and private, meaning calls and messages are end-to-end encrypted.
This makes sense because the previous WhatsApp experience on CarPlay wasn"t up to the mark. WhatsApp was among the earliest to implement CarPlay support, but the experience was limited to Siri-based voice interactions. There was no way to see recent chats or contact details on the car"s infotainment screen.
As reported by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp for CarPlay now comes with a tabbed interface that separates chats, calls, and favorites. It aims to minimize driving distractions by showing recent chats with unread messages rather than the entire chat history.
The second tab shows call history, displaying a chronological list of outgoing, incoming, and missed calls, along with timestamps and profile icons to easily identify who you talked to. You can tap on an entry in the call log to quickly make a return call.
Apart from these, there is a third tab that pulls your favorite contacts from WhatsApp on your iPhone, making it faster to find your most frequently used contacts. Note that WhatsApp has been working on the updated experience for a while now, and it was spotted being tested in beta more than a week ago.
The new WhatsApp for CarPlay app will automatically show up in your car once you connect your iPhone after installing the latest WhatsApp for iOS update from the App Store. The redesigned experience is rolling out to all iPhone users. In recent updates, WhatsApp also added AI-powered reply suggestions for incoming messages, AI photo touch-ups, and more.