WhatsApp Begins Testing Apple Watch Companion App with Messaging and Voice Features
WhatsApp has taken a major step toward expanding its ecosystem by beginning tests of a new companion app for the Apple Watch, according to a report by WABetaInfo. The app, currently available through TestFlight for beta users running WhatsApp iOS version 25.32.10.71, marks the first time Apple Watch owners will be able to directly interact with their WhatsApp chats beyond just notifications.
The new app allows Apple Watch users to view their chat list, messages, and shared media directly from their wrist. Users can also send new messages without waiting for a notification, react to messages with emojis, and even send voice and audio messages using the watch’s built-in microphone.
One of the most notable improvements is the ability to dictate messages using voice input, enabling faster hands-free communication. This feature is expected to be especially useful for users who want to stay connected while on the move—during workouts, commutes, or meetings—without constantly checking their phones.
However, the current app is not a standalone version. It functions as a companion app, meaning it requires an iPhone with WhatsApp installed and active for most operations. The Apple Watch essentially mirrors the messaging functionality of the phone, relying on a Bluetooth or internet connection between the two devices.
While this setup may seem limiting, it’s still a significant upgrade over the existing experience, where Apple Watch users could only receive notifications from WhatsApp with no ability to read entire messages, reply, or view media content.
According to WABetaInfo, the new companion app interface closely aligns with WhatsApp’s iOS design language, featuring a simplified layout optimized for the Apple Watch’s small screen. It supports text messages, photos, videos, and voice notes, making it one of the most feature-rich smartwatch messaging extensions currently in testing.
For now, access to the companion app is restricted to a limited number of beta testers via Apple’s TestFlight platform, and it’s unclear when WhatsApp plans to roll out a public version on the App Store. Historically, WhatsApp’s beta testing cycles for new platforms—such as the Mac and iPad companion apps—have lasted several months before general release, suggesting that a full launch might come sometime in 2026.
Industry observers view this development as part of WhatsApp’s broader push toward multi-device integration, following the company’s efforts to allow users to link multiple phones and desktop devices under one account. The addition of wearable support represents another milestone in WhatsApp’s bid to remain competitive against rivals like Telegram and iMessage, both of which already offer more robust smartwatch functionality.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has not yet issued an official statement or confirmed a release timeline. Still, the testing phase indicates the company’s commitment to expanding accessibility and convenience for users in the Apple ecosystem.
Tech experts suggest that the app could soon evolve into a standalone experience, allowing Apple Watch users to send and receive messages without depending on a paired iPhone—similar to how Apple’s native iMessage app functions. For now, though, the companion app marks a promising start toward that vision.
If widely rolled out, this new feature would make WhatsApp one of the few cross-platform messaging services to offer full support across phones, desktops, tablets, and smartwatches, reflecting Meta’s goal of providing seamless connectivity regardless of device.
