WhatsApp has started rolling out four new features that aim to improve the messaging experience across different devices. The update brings a major change for iPad users, along with useful improvements for drivers and media sharing.
The biggest update is for people who use WhatsApp on an iPad. Users can now create and register a WhatsApp account directly from their iPad. They no longer need to link the device to an existing phone account first.
This change should make WhatsApp much easier to use on the iPad. The company launched its dedicated iPad app last year, but account setup still depended on a phone. Now, users can complete the registration process directly on their tablet.
WhatsApp is also making its app more useful inside cars. The latest update improves the experience for users with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers can now hear and respond to WhatsApp messages without picking up their phones.
They can also make calls, check their call history, and access their favorite contacts. These features are available through the car’s screen and can be used hands-free.
The update also brings improvements to PDF files. Users can now open PDF documents directly within WhatsApp without downloading them first. The app also supports basic editing tools for these files.
For example, users can highlight important parts of a document and add annotations. This could make it easier to review and share documents during conversations. Finally, WhatsApp is adding a new way to share music through Status. Users can share the song they are currently listening to as a WhatsApp Status.
Apple Music and Spotify users can use their respective share options to post a currently playing track. The shared music can then appear on their WhatsApp Status for contacts to see. WhatsApp says these four features are now rolling out to users. Availability may vary depending on the device and region as the rollout continues.
