WhatsApp As Default Messaging App on iPhone? It is COMING
TL;DR – You would possibly quickly be capable of run WhatsApp as your iPhone’s default messaging app…
Hell hath frozen, pigs have flown… and fairly quickly you’ll be capable of use WhatsApp because the DEFAULT messaging app on iPhone….
- WhatsApp beta for iPhone (model 25.8.10.74) lets some customers set it because the default calling and messaging app.
- This leverages new permissions launched in iOS 18.2 for third-party default apps.
- It’s at present restricted to beta testers, with a wider launch anticipated quickly.
- Tapping a quantity in any app might quickly launch WhatsApp as a substitute of Apple’s Cellphone or Messages app.
Should you’re deep into the WhatsApp ecosystem, right here’s some excellent news: you would possibly quickly be capable of make it your go-to app for calls and texts — even on iPhone.
WhatsApp because the Default? It’s Lastly Occurring on iPhone
Due to modifications Apple launched with iOS 18.2, iPhone customers can now set third-party apps because the default for messaging and calling. Till now, although, most main apps hadn’t taken benefit of it. That’s beginning to change.
In line with the always-reliable of us over at WABetaInfo, the most recent beta model of WhatsApp for iPhone (25.8.10.74) quietly provides the power to set WhatsApp because the default app for each calls and messages.
Meaning everytime you faucet on a telephone quantity inside one other app — say, from a contact card, Safari, or your Notes app — it might now launch WhatsApp as a substitute of Apple’s built-in Cellphone or Messages app.
Who Can Use It?
Proper now, this characteristic is barely stay for a small group of customers working the WhatsApp beta on iOS. There’s no official phrase on when it’ll roll out extra broadly, but it surely’s protected to imagine it’ll arrive in a future secure launch if the beta testing goes easily.
It’s additionally unclear if this can work globally proper out of the gate — Apple’s new default app permissions nonetheless face some region-based restrictions in sure markets.
⚠️ Heads Up: Should you’re not within the WhatsApp beta program, you gained’t see this selection but. Control the App Retailer and WhatsApp’s launch notes within the coming weeks.
Why This Issues
WhatsApp is already the messaging app in a lot of the world — and in international locations like India, Brazil, and huge elements of Europe, it’s virtually changed SMS.
Letting customers make WhatsApp the default calling and messaging app removes a layer of friction and will shift extra iPhone house owners away from Apple’s built-in apps solely.
It additionally reveals how Apple is slowly opening up iOS beneath regulatory strain — one thing that advantages customers who need extra management over how their gadgets work.
Would you turn your default calling and messaging app to WhatsApp? Tell us within the feedback — and don’t overlook to enroll to our publication for extra updates like this, straight to your inbox:
FAQs
Can I make WhatsApp my default calling and messaging app on iPhone proper now?
Provided that you’re on the most recent WhatsApp beta (25.8.10.74) and a part of the take a look at group. It’s not but out there to everybody.
When will this characteristic be out there to all customers?
There’s no confirmed launch date, but when testing goes effectively, it ought to land in a future secure replace.
Does this imply I can absolutely substitute iMessage and FaceTime?
You possibly can route calls and messages by WhatsApp by default, however you’ll nonetheless want iMessage and FaceTime for Apple-specific options like sending blue-bubble messages or calling different iPhones by way of Apple’s ecosystem.
Is that this just for iPhone customers?
Sure — Android customers have had extra flexibility with default apps for years. This can be a greater deal on iOS due to Apple’s traditionally closed system.
