WhatsApp for iPad is almost here – who can download the beta app? | Gadgets News

WhatsApp’s encrypted messaging platform – owned by Facebook – is used by 2 billion active users worldwide, but until now has not been available as an app on iPads which, let’s be honest, has been a right pain.

The current iPhone version won’t work on iPads, so anyone wanting to use WhatsApp on an iPad at present has to do it via the web version, which is clunky, and it doesn’t notify you of new messages.

But that’s all set to change as Apple has released a beta test version of WhatsApp which works on iPads for some users to try out.

It follows the release of a new Mac version of WhatsApp last month, which lets you join a group call after it’s started, see your call history and choose to receive incoming call notifications even when the app is closed.

So what will the beta version of WhatsApp for iPad offer and who can try it?

Let’s find out.

What will WhatsApp for iPad offer?

According to WABetaInfo, once installed on the iPad and synced with your phone, the WhatsApp for iPad app will download all your conversations, and you will be able to send and receive messages across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

It will work even if your phone is not nearby or is on a different wifi network.

Messages will sync across your devices too.

You’ll see a list of conversations on the left and your current chat on the right.

However, as it’s a ‘companion’ app – effectively linked to your phone – you won’t be able to create a new WhatsApp account from it.

Who can download the beta version?

Only those with Apple’s TestFlight installed AND an invite from the developer can currently download the beta version, so it is very limited.

There’s no set general release date for WhatsApp for iPad in the app store as yet, but is is one step closer.

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