WhatsApp's end to-end encryption scheme requires that users set up their service using a smartphone as their "main" device. In July, WhatsApp announced that next-generation encryption was being developed that would allow for multi-device connections without the need to connect to a smartphone. It seems that WhatsApp plans to launch a native iPad app for the first time.
AppleInsider saw a few tweets from the WABetaInfo account this weekend, which is an unofficial source for information about future WhatsApp features. According to the account, the iPad and Android tablets will be able to connect to a WhatsApp account as "linked devices" in the multi-device beta. It will be a native app, not a web app, and it will work independently (i.e. it will run even if your phone is offline).
WhatsApp for iPad is it a web application? It's a native application!
WhatsApp for iPad will work on its own? Yes.
Is WhatsApp for iPad available already? No.
WhatsApp beta for iPad WhatsApp beta for iOS will give you the iPad version of WhatsApp. https://t.co/aQYBBtW7Sb WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) August 21, 2021
The app and integration are still in development. However, the WABetaInfo account states that it will be available in a future update. If you have the WhatsApp iOS beta, you will also be able to access the iPad version. Although many people have used WhatsApp for years, they are likely to be used to it not being available on tablets. Multi-device support seems like a great time to allow WhatsApp to work on other devices.
