After years of speculation and user demand, WhatsApp appears to be preparing to launch a long-awaited iPad app. The company has never offered a dedicated version of its messaging service for Apple’s tablet, largely due to technical limitations tied to its phone number-based verification system. But recent activity suggests that’s about to change.
The clearest indication came when the official WhatsApp account on X (formerly Twitter) responded with an eyes emoji to a post referencing the long-missing iPad app. While not a formal announcement, the move is widely being interpreted as a signal that a release could be imminent.
Until now, WhatsApp users have had to rely on workarounds like WhatsApp Web or the macOS desktop app to access the service on tablets. That’s slowly changed with the rollout of companion app functionality, which allows users to run WhatsApp on multiple devices simultaneously, without needing the primary phone to remain connected. This has laid the groundwork for a more seamless iPad experience.
A dedicated WhatsApp app for iPad has reportedly been in beta testing via Apple’s TestFlight platform for over two years. However, a general release date has yet to be confirmed. The forthcoming version is expected to function both as a companion and standalone app, particularly for iPads with cellular capability.
The move comes as Meta also considers launching Instagram and Threads apps for iPad. While iPad sales still trail behind iPhones, growing demand among business users and content creators may be tipping the scales in favor of greater tablet support, which could lead to Meta’s app ecosystem adjusting slightly to properly integrate tablet users. Given the recent addition of voice chat to all Whatsapp groups, this move also allows the tablets to use the app as a conference call or voice notes system.
