The Long-Awaited Arrival: WhatsApp Enters Native Apple Watch Testing
In a move that has been anticipated by Apple Watch users for years, WhatsApp has officially begun testing a dedicated, native companion application for watchOS. The messaging giant, owned by Meta, is distributing the beta version of the app through Apple’s TestFlight program, signaling that a public release may finally be on the horizon in 2025.
This development marks a significant shift for WhatsApp, which has historically relied on simple notification mirroring to function on the Apple Watch, frustrating users who desired a more robust, independent messaging experience on their wrist.
Why a Native App is a Game Changer for watchOS Users
For years, the experience of using WhatsApp on the Apple Watch has been limited and often unreliable. Unlike competitors such as Apple’s own iMessage or Telegram, WhatsApp did not offer a standalone app. This meant functionality was restricted to what the iPhone could push to the watch, primarily limiting users to viewing incoming messages and utilizing basic quick replies.
A native companion app fundamentally changes this dynamic, offering several critical improvements:
Enhanced Performance and Reliability
Native apps are built specifically for the watchOS architecture, ensuring faster loading times and more reliable performance. Users should experience fewer delays and synchronization errors compared to the current notification-based system.
Independence from the iPhone
While the initial setup will still require the paired iPhone, a true native app allows for greater independence, particularly for users with cellular Apple Watch models. This means the watch could potentially retrieve and send messages even when the iPhone is left behind, provided the watch has a network connection.
Full Functionality and Chat History
The most significant benefit is the ability to access full chat history directly on the watch. Currently, only the most recent message is visible via notification. A native app is expected to support:
- Viewing and scrolling through entire conversation threads.
- Sending voice notes directly from the watch microphone.
- Initiating new chats or replying to existing ones without needing the iPhone.
- Accessing media (images/videos) within the constraints of the watch’s display.
Context: WhatsApp’s Focus on Platform Integration
The timing of this beta test is notable. It follows closely on the heels of WhatsApp confirming the rollout of passkey support for both Android and iOS platforms. Passkeys represent a major security and convenience upgrade, allowing users to log in using biometric data (Face ID or Touch ID) instead of traditional SMS codes.
This simultaneous focus on security enhancements and deep platform integration (like the native Apple Watch app) suggests a renewed commitment by WhatsApp to ensure its service is seamless across the entire ecosystem of devices its users rely on. For years, the lack of a native watch app was a major gap in WhatsApp’s otherwise comprehensive cross-platform strategy.
The TestFlight Process and What’s Next
The use of TestFlight confirms that the application is in an official, closed beta phase. Apple uses TestFlight to allow developers to distribute pre-release versions of their apps to a limited group of testers for feedback and bug reporting before a wider public launch.
Key Takeaways for Users:
- Current Status: The app is in closed beta testing via TestFlight.
- Expected Features: Full chat history, voice note support, and greater independence from the iPhone.
- Significance: This addresses one of the longest-standing feature requests from the Apple Watch user base.
While there is no official public release date yet, the transition from internal development to external beta testing via TestFlight is typically the final major step before a general release on the App Store. Technology analysts anticipate that, barring any major technical setbacks, the native WhatsApp Apple Watch app could become available to all users within the coming months of 2025.
This move ensures that WhatsApp remains competitive with other major messaging platforms that already offer robust wearable experiences, finally bringing the world’s most popular messaging service fully into the Apple ecosystem.
Original author: Marcus Mendes
Originally published: October 31, 2025
Editorial note: Our team reviewed and enhanced this coverage with AI-assisted tools and human editing to add helpful context while preserving verified facts and quotations from the original source.
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