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WhatsApp Launches Native Apple Watch App With On‑Wrist Messaging and Call Alerts

The free release delivers encrypted chats to Series 4 and newer, with iPhone tethering required and early reviews noting feature gaps.

Overview

  • The watchOS app is live on the App Store and can install automatically for users with simultaneous downloads enabled or manually via the iPhone Watch app.
  • Users can read and reply to messages with text or voice dictation, send and listen to voice notes, react with emojis, view images and stickers, and receive WhatsApp call notifications.
  • Compatibility requires Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 10 and a linked iPhone, as the app operates as a companion rather than a standalone client.
  • Meta says messages on the Apple Watch maintain end‑to‑end encryption consistent with WhatsApp’s mobile apps.
  • Early hands‑on reports highlight limitations such as restricted chat list depth, questions over starting new chats, and sticker‑sending gaps, with Meta indicating more features are planned in future updates.