TL; DR
- Apple Watch Series 4 or later users get a dedicated WhatsApp app.
- The primary benefit remains the ability to view messages (including the previous ones) without accessing your smartphone.
- Meanwhile, Apple has also released the first iOS 26.2 beta for developers, which includes many notable changes.
- The most notable addition to the iOS 26.2 beta is a Liquid Glass slider for the lock screen.
WhatsApp is finally available as an app on your Apple Watch. Until now, smartwatch users have only received message notifications with an option to reply via the keyboard or using template messages. However, with the arrival of the WhatsApp app, users will be able to view call notifications, read full messages, and record/send voice notes.
Also Read: OPPO Find X9 First Impressions: Is This Worth Waiting For?
WhatsApp Features Available On Apple Watch
- Additional features on the WhatsApp app include message reactions, chat history, and clearer images and stickers.
- The primary benefit, however, remains the ability to view messages (including the previous ones) without accessing your smartphone.
For those wondering, the app is available for Apple Watch Series 4 or later, and supports watchOS 10 or later. In other words, the app is available for a good number of users, as it was over seven years ago that the Watch 4 arrived.
- It’s worth noting that users can only see who is calling them, but can’t answer calls in the app (for some odd reason).
- Nonetheless, WhatsApp plans to add more features to its Apple Watch app in the near future.
Also Read: iOS 26.1 Stable Update Now Rolling Out: Here’s What’s New
iOS 26.2’s Beta Includes Multiple Additions
Meanwhile, Apple has also released the first iOS 26.2 beta for developers, which includes many notable changes.
- For instance, the beta features updated sleep score ranges (High is now 81-95 instead of 70-89).
- Apple News now features a new design, with quick-select categories at the top.
- The Podcasts app now gets auto-generated chapters. It can also access the following mentions of other podcasts or links mentioned in an episode.
- When you mark a reminder as urgent, iOS 26.2 asks you whether you want to create an alarm or timer for it, depending on how important it is for you.
- The Freeform app now lets you insert tables into boards.
Also Read: Smartphone Prices Are Rising Again; Here’s Why OnePlus, Realme, and iQOO Flagships Will Cost More
The most notable addition to the iOS 26.2 beta is a Liquid Glass slider for the lock screen. While the current public version — iOS 26.1 — includes a toggle that switches between a clear and a tinted look, the upcoming version could include a slider to adjust the transparency of the clock on the lock screen. From what it looks like, Apple is still finding ways to help people accommodate its Liquid Glass design language in every way possible.
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
