WhatsApp has started testing a companion app for the Apple Watch, reports WABetaInfo.
This app allows Apple Watch users to view messages and media in their WhatsApp chat list, send new messages without waiting for a notification, and send message reactions using emojis.
Additionally, users can send audio messages and dictate messages using voice input.
However, it’s worth noting that the Apple Watch still needs to be connected to an iPhone with WhatsApp installed for users to do everything we mentioned above, because this app is a companion app rather than a standalone one.
Even then, it’s a step in the right direction by WhatsApp, since the experience so far for users has been limited and restrictive, and we are hopeful that future updates to the companion app will offer a richer user experience.
The companion app is available through TestFlight after installing beta version 25.32.10.71 of WhatsApp for iOS; however, it’s unclear when it will be publicly available to all users through the App Store.
