A year ago, Meta generated great expectations by confirming that it would finally launch a specific version of WhatsApp for iPad, something highly requested by users of the platform. After releasing a new app for macOS, the iPad version was expected to arrive shortly after.
However, a year later, the long-awaited launch it hasn’t become real yet and the application remains in beta phase, with no indication of an official launch in the short term. However, there are other methods to use WhatsApp on the iPad.
There is no WhatsApp on iPad
Meta’s track record with iPad apps is not encouraging. Of all its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, only Facebook has an iPad-specific app, and it hasn’t received any major updates in years. Instagram and Threads can be used on the iPad, but only through their iPhone versions, an experience that leaves much to be desired. Regarding WhatsApp, it doesn’t even exist the option to install the iPhone app on the device.
WhatsApp has shown a more committed approach to Apple platforms by launching a new native desktop app for macOS a year ago, replacing the Electron-based version. This improvement, especially for Macs with Apple Silicon chips, raised the expectations of iPad users. This beta allows link WhatsApp accounts on the iPad in a similar way to how it is done on the Mac, giving access to all conversations.
However, despite expectations, the full launch of the well-known iPad app has not yet arrived. Apparently, the beta version of the application has many bugs and is prone to closing unexpectedly. This has led to uncertainty as to whether Meta is having trouble resolving these bugs or has decided leave the project on hold for now. Judging by their lack of interest in other iPad apps, it wouldn’t be surprising if Meta decided to postpone the release indefinitely.
WhatsApp came to macOS
On the other hand, some users have expressed their frustration on social media at Meta’s lack of iPad-optimized applications. Although it is possible to use the iPhone versions of Instagram and Threads, the experience on a device with a large screen like the iPad is far from ideal. With WhatsApp, it is not possible to install the app directly on the iPad, which is why it has been a recurring complaint among users of the most popular messaging platform in the world.
As of today, Meta has not provided clear information on the status of WhatsApp for iPad development, leaving many users without a native, optimized option to use the app on their tablets. Although the beta is available to a limited number of users, its performance leaves much to be desired, and the possibility of the project being canceled remains a reality on which Meta has not commented.
Users are still waiting, but the future of WhatsApp for iPad remains uncertain.
