WhatsApp Begins Testing Apple Watch App via TestFlight
WhatsApp announced today that its TestFlight program now includes a beta version of an Apple Watch application, indicating that a wrist‑worn version of the popular messaging service could be released in the near future. The early build enables users to read incoming messages, view media thumbnails, and receive notifications directly on the watch, while full reply capabilities remain limited to the companion iPhone app.
The move follows a broader industry trend of extending mobile communication platforms to wearable devices, a market where Apple reports over 100 million active Watch users worldwide. Analysts note that integrating messaging apps onto smartwatches can increase user engagement by providing quick, glanceable interactions. WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, has previously hinted at expanding its ecosystem beyond smartphones, and the test aligns with recent efforts to improve cross‑device functionality across its suite of apps.
While the beta does not yet support composing new messages or voice input, officials involved in the testing phase said the feature set will evolve based on user feedback. Industry observers expect that a full rollout could arrive later this year, contingent on performance testing and privacy assessments. If successful, the Apple Watch app would join a growing list of messaging services—such as Telegram and Signal—offering limited functionality on wearable platforms, potentially reshaping how users stay connected on the go.
