After years of requests from Apple Watch users, WhatsApp is finally making its way to Apple’s smartwatch lineup. Meta is testing an early version of the app, marking the company’s latest move toward broader platform support.
The new build, found in TestFlight version 25.32.10 of WhatsApp for iOS, introduces a limited test version of the app for Apple Watch. Early testers can read short message threads, send quick replies, dictate responses, react to messages, and scroll through recent conversations. Notifications—previously the only way to interact with WhatsApp on the watch—are now joined by direct app access.
At this stage, however, functionality remains basic. The app still requires a nearby iPhone to work, as messages don’t sync independently to the watch. Users can’t start new chats, search for contacts, or access media or Status updates. While this first version serves more as a proof of concept than a full-featured experience, it’s a notable development for Apple Watch owners who have waited years for native WhatsApp support.
Whether future builds will allow standalone usage, similar to how Apple Messages or Telegram operate on the watch, remains uncertain. But given Meta’s recent focus on improving cross-device compatibility, a more independent experience seems likely down the line.
The Apple Watch test follows a broader shift in Meta’s strategy toward Apple’s ecosystem. The company has already introduced native versions of WhatsApp and Instagram for iPad, added multi-device support that doesn’t require a constantly connected phone, and continues developing features such as multi-account support for iOS. This gradual expansion suggests Meta is aligning its messaging platforms with user expectations for flexibility and device independence.
While there’s no confirmed release timeline, the move underscores Meta’s intent to make WhatsApp more accessible across devices. For now, the Apple Watch version is an early step, but one that signals Meta’s willingness to meet users where they are—on their wrists as well as in their pockets.
