WhatsApp may soon expand its presence to Apple’s wearable ecosystem, with reports suggesting that the company is testing a new companion app for the Apple Watch.
According to a report from WABetaInfo, a recent WhatsApp build on Apple’s TestFlight platform reveals signs of deeper integration with the Apple Watch, allowing users to access and manage their chats directly from their wrist.
New features coming to Apple Watch users
The upcoming companion app is said to enable users to read the latest messages, reply, and react without needing to reach for their iPhone. Users can reportedly send voice messages, use emojis, and even dictate responses through the watch’s voice input function, offering more convenient communication on the go.
While the app brings many of WhatsApp’s core messaging features to the Apple Watch, it is not a completely standalone experience. The watch will still require a nearby iPhone for connectivity and message synchronisation. WhatsApp’s automatic pairing process means users will not need to scan a QR code to link their accounts, streamlining the setup process.
This functionality mirrors that of many existing Apple Watch messaging apps, maintaining a balance between independence and device integration to preserve battery efficiency and maintain stable connections.
Limited rollout and testing phase
At present, WhatsApp has not confirmed an official release date for the Apple Watch companion app. The testing version remains available only through TestFlight, which is typically used for internal testing and early access for select users.
The news follows WhatsApp’s growing efforts to expand its cross-device capabilities. In July 2023, the company launched an official smartwatch app for Wear OS 3 and newer devices, allowing Android smartwatch users to send and receive messages without constant phone connectivity.
The addition of an Apple Watch companion app would represent a natural step in WhatsApp’s broader strategy to deliver consistent communication experiences across multiple platforms. With Apple Watch being one of the world’s most popular wearables, such integration could significantly enhance WhatsApp’s accessibility for iPhone users who rely heavily on the smartwatch for quick interactions.
Broader strategy for multi-device integration
WhatsApp has been steadily working towards improving its multi-device ecosystem over the past few years. The platform already supports linked devices such as tablets, web browsers, and desktop apps without requiring the main phone to stay online.
However, the Apple Watch version takes a different approach by maintaining the iPhone-dependent setup. This limitation might be due to Apple’s strict app ecosystem policies or WhatsApp’s gradual rollout strategy, which typically prioritises stability before full independence.
As WhatsApp continues to test and refine the Apple Watch companion app, users can expect improved notification handling and potentially additional features closer to launch. Whether the app will evolve into a fully standalone experience remains to be seen. Still, early indications suggest a smooth, tightly integrated experience for Apple Watch owners who want more control over their WhatsApp interactions.
