After years of waiting, requests, and even frustration from users, WhatsApp is finally launching an official dedicated version for the iPad. This is an important technological breakthrough for millions of users worldwide who have long switched to working on tablets instead of smartphones but had to settle for non-optimized apps or browser-based connections only. Now, the new version has been released to Apple’s App Store, including everything expected from an advanced messaging app in 2025.

The dedicated iPad version was released as part of the app’s latest update, version 25.16.81, but interestingly, this was not mentioned at all in the official update notes on the App Store. Alert users who installed the version suddenly discovered that the app now fully supports the iPad, including a convenient two-pane interface. On one side of the screen, you can see the list of conversations, and on the other, the active chat window — just like in the desktop Mac version.

WhatsApp on iPad. Now officially (credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
WhatsApp on iPad. Now officially (credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
Beyond the wider interface, the new app also supports advanced features of the iPadOS operating system, including the ability to work in Split View alongside other apps, use a floating window in Slide Over style, and even enjoy Picture in Picture support when media is sent or received. This means users can continue communicating on WhatsApp while working on documents, browsing the internet, or watching videos.

For years, Meta — the owner of WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook — avoided launching iPad-optimized versions, even though the platform is considered one of the most popular in the digital tablet world. Instagram, for example, still does not have an official iPad version, though reports indicate that might change soon.

So why only now? According to technology experts, the surprising launch of WhatsApp for the iPad signals a trend change at Meta. The company, which until now focused mainly on smartphone development, now understands the importance of the tablet market, especially with the rise of professional uses, remote learning, and business communication via the iPad. WhatsApp is an app that crosses ages and professions, and the lack of iPad support until now seemed like a major gap in Meta’s portfolio.

App download screen on tablet (credit: Maariv Online)
App download screen on tablet (credit: Maariv Online)
Additionally, with the acceleration of multi-device app usage, users demand continuity across devices — what Apple calls “Continuity.” The WhatsApp iPad app supports the same linking feature as the web and desktop versions, meaning it can be used when the iPhone is offline as long as the device is linked to the main account.

According to the company’s policy, the new iPad version also retains WhatsApp’s famous end-to-end encryption. All messages, files, and conversations are secured, and synchronization between devices happens under a security protocol that does not store data in the cloud but on the devices themselves. The initial setup process includes scanning a QR code from the iPhone, similar to connecting on a computer.

For the user community, this is a necessary step that almost seems strange it was not done earlier. While some technology changes come gradually, bringing WhatsApp to the iPad is nothing less than a breakthrough that will impact the way we communicate. Meta will likely assess the success of this current launch before deciding whether to bring full iPad versions of Instagram and Facebook in the future.