WhatsApp Finally Launches a Native Apple Watch App: Is It Any Good?
For years, it’s been the single most-requested app for Apple Watch users. The wait is finally over. WhatsApp has officially, and quietly, launched its first-ever native app for watchOS, and it’s rolling out to users now.
Before this, the "WhatsApp on your watch" experience was terrible. You could only reply to incoming notifications, but you couldn't browse chats or start a new conversation.
So, we immediately installed the new update to answer the big question: Is it actually any good?
What You Can Finally Do
This is a ground-up build, not just a simple notification mirror.
Browse Your Chat List: You can now scroll through your recent conversations right from your wrist, just like in the Messages app.
Start New Chats: This is the big one. You can tap on a contact and initiate a new conversation.
Send and Receive Voice Notes: This is a game-changer. You can record and listen to voice notes directly from the watch's microphone and speaker.
See Stickers and Reactions: The app properly displays stickers (though they can be small) and shows emoji reactions.
The interface is clean, fast, and feels "native" to the Apple Watch, which is exactly what users wanted.
What's Still Missing?
While this is a massive leap forward, it's still a Version 1.0 product. There are a few things you can't do (yet):
You can't search your entire chat history.
Sending photos or videos isn't supported (which makes sense on a small screen).
You cannot manage group settings or view full profile details.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Yes. 100%.
This update fundamentally changes the convenience of the Apple Watch for the 2+ billion people who use WhatsApp as their primary messenger.
Being able to quickly glance at chats, send a quick voice note without pulling out your phone, or reply to a message you missed hours ago is a massive quality-of-life improvement. It makes the Apple Watch feel more complete.
If you have an Apple Watch, go to the App Store on your watch (or on your iPhone's Watch app) and make sure you're updated. This is one you'll want immediately.