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2mo ago

WhatsApp Now Available as Default App for Calls and Messages on iPhone

With the latest update, iPhone users worldwide can set WhatsApp as their primary app for communication, replacing Apple's native options.

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But will you do it?
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Overview

  • WhatsApp's latest iOS update (version 25.8.74) allows users to set it as the default app for calls and messages on iPhones running iOS 18.2 or later.
  • The feature, initially developed to comply with EU regulations, is now available globally to all users, not just beta testers.
  • Users can configure WhatsApp as the default app by navigating to the Default Apps section in iPhone settings.
  • This marks WhatsApp as the first major third-party app to adopt Apple's APIs for default app functionality, introduced in iOS 18.2.
  • The change is particularly impactful in regions outside the US, where WhatsApp is a dominant communication platform, offering features like end-to-end encryption and cost-effective international calls.