WhatsApp support for CarPlay is just around the corner.
Apple
I’ve been a dedicated CarPlay user for years, so this update is certainly overdue. WhatsApp is finally developing a proper app for CarPlay, and it’s about time. Until now, I could only view notifications on the dashboard, without any real interaction. The downside is that it’s still in testing and is currently being rolled out only to iOS beta users. So yes, it’s on its way — but we’re not there just yet.
Avoiding full conversations
John McCann / Digital Trends
The WhatsApp CarPlay beta is designed to keep you connected while maintaining your attention on the road. When you open the app from the system launcher, you’re met with a dedicated chat list screen — the first tab presented, showcasing your recent conversations from approximately the last 20 to 25 days. It provides a quick overview of your chats without overwhelming you with the entire conversation history.
You cannot engage in full chat threads while driving, as safety is the priority. However, once you’re safely stopped, your phone retains all the details.
The chat list offers just enough information to monitor your messages: identifying muted chats, pinned chats, and when the last message was sent. Additionally, you can access contact information, detailed call history, and swiftly find your favorite contacts. The design is streamlined for CarPlay, granting you control and context, while discouraging endless scrolling while driving.
A glimpse before the complete experience
Dimitri Karastelev / Unsplash
At present, WhatsApp for CarPlay is in an exclusive beta phase, as noted by WABetaInfo. It is only accessible to users who have installed the most recent iOS beta version of WhatsApp via TestFlight. As this is a beta, some rough areas can be expected. WhatsApp is not going all in either; the focus is primarily on the essentials, so don’t anticipate the full app experience on your car screen just yet.
That said, beta users get the first opportunity to experience it. They can explore the interface, observe how it integrates with CarPlay, and provide feedback directly through TestFlight. This phase serves as a preview where changes can still occur before the broader release. Once it’s refined and stable, WhatsApp will make it available to all users. Until that time, it’s a waiting game, unless you’re part of the beta group.
Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, boasting over five years of experience in the technology sector.
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WhatsApp support for CarPlay is just around the corner.
As a dedicated CarPlay user for many years, this update seems like it's been a long time coming. WhatsApp is finally developing a proper app for CarPlay, which is well overdue. So far, I've only been able to see notifications appear on the dashboard, without any meaningful interaction beyond that. The downside is that it’s still in the testing phase.