WhatsApp has confirmed a major upgrade to its chat app, introducing four new features that are rolling out now. The Meta-owned platform now allows users to sign up directly on iPads, offers a revamped CarPlay and Android Auto experience, enables PDF viewing and editing within chats, and lets users share songs from Apple Music or Spotify to WhatsApp Status.
iPad sign-up now available
Previously, iPad users had to link their device to a phone. Now, they can register for WhatsApp directly on the iPad app, set up an account, and start using the service independently. WhatsApp said in an email: “Since we announced WhatsApp for iPad last year, one of the biggest things we've heard from people is wanting to create a WhatsApp account directly on their iPad, without needing to link to their phone.”
CarPlay and Android Auto refresh
WhatsApp has completely refreshed the experience on CarPlay and Android Auto. Users can hear and respond to messages, make calls, view call history, and access favourites hands-free from the car's screen, reducing the temptation to look at phones while driving.
PDF viewing and editing
On web and desktop, users can now open PDFs directly in WhatsApp without downloading them. Powered by Adobe Acrobat, the feature allows lightweight edits such as highlighting and annotating within the chat.
Music sharing to Status
Music fans can now share a song straight from Apple Music or Spotify to their WhatsApp Status. WhatsApp said: “Sharing music is a way of expressing yourself, and now you can easily share a song straight from Apple Music or Spotify to your WhatsApp Status.”
These features are already rolling out to users now.
