What’s happened? A major update has been announced for WhatsApp‘s Apple Watch app, bringing a host of new features to your wrist. The WhatsApp app for Apple Watch already allowed you to read and respond to messages, but there’s now a bunch more functionality.
- Call notifications: see who’s calling you on WhatsApp without needing to look at your iPhone.
- Full messages: For the first time, read full WhatsApp messages on Apple Watch, even long messages.
- Voice messages: You can now record and send voice messages directly on you wrist.
- React to messages: Send quick emoji reactions to messages you receive.
- Improved media: Images and stickers will now be clearer when viewed on your Apple Watch.
- Chat history: See more of your chat history on screen when reading messages.
This is important because: Apple Watch owners have been dealing with a limited WhatsApp experience on their wearable for some time now, so the update from parent company Meta will be welcome for those who frequently use the messaging platform.
- Meta has been improving WhatsApp experiences across Apple devices this year, with a standalone iPad app arriving a few months ago.
- This shows a commitment from Meta to improve the WhatsApp experience across various platforms, and answering user’s requests for features and updates.
- WhatsApp for Apple Watch is now able to challenge Apple’s own Messages app more closely, which could help tempt some users to make the switch.
Why should I care? If you’re an Apple Watch owner who regularly uses WhatsApp on their iPhone, the app has just got a lot more powerful on your wrist-worn wearable.
- It means you won’t have to reach for your iPhone so often, with more response options available on the watch.
Okay, so what’s next? The update for the Apple Watch app starts rolling out gradually from today, November 4 2025. It could take several days (or longer) to hit all users around the world.
- You’ll need to be wearing an Apple Watch 4 or later to take advantage of the new features.
