Meta doubles down on WhatsApp for iPad and cars with major new updates, details here

Published 23 July 2026 · tech

WhatsApp has announced a range of features aimed at making the app go beyond mobile. In other words, the company seems to want WhatsApp work

WhatsApp has announced a range of features aimed at making the app go beyond mobile. In other words, the company seems to want WhatsApp work better across devices, rather than only being confined to just your phone. In a blog post, the messaging app company confirmed to cover direct iPad sign-up, a redesigned CarPlay and Android Auto experience, in-app PDF editing and the ability to share songs to your Status straight from Apple Music or Spotify. Read Full Story Sign up on iPad without needing your phone WhatsApp launched its iPad app last year, but in companion mode. Which means an iPad user used to need another phone – whether an iPhone or an Android phone – as a primary device and had to link it by scanning a QR code.

Earlier, reports suggested this thing is about to change. Now, WhatsApp confirmed that iPad users can use their device as a primary device, meaning they can open their iPad app, enter their phone number and complete registration entirely on the device. CarPlay and Android Auto get a real upgrade WhatsApp has also announced a revamped CarPlay and Android Auto. Previously, the integration was fairly limited, mostly restricted to composing messages and placing calls. With this update, users can now hear and respond to messages, view their call history, and reach favourite contacts, all directly from the car's screen, without needing to pick up the phone.

PDFs and music sharing WhatsApp is also making it easier to work with documents shared in chats. Users on web and desktop can now open PDF files directly within WhatsApp without downloading them first, and can add lightweight edits like highlights and annotations right inside the chat. The feature is powered by Adobe Acrobat, marking a new partnership between the two companies. Separately, users can now share a song directly from Apple Music or Spotify to their WhatsApp Status. The feature builds on WhatsApp's existing music-sharing option for statuses, letting friends see what you're currently listening to with just a couple of taps.

All of these features are rolling out now, though as is typical with WhatsApp updates, availability may vary and a full rollout could take some time to reach everyone. This WhatsApp announcement follows a string of recent additions to the app, including usernames that let people share their profile without revealing their phone number, and the WhatsApp Plus subscription plan introduced in May. Ends