WhatsApp's latest in-car feature focuses on hands-free operation.
Users of CarPlay and Android Auto can now read and respond to messages, see call logs, and access favorite contacts without needing to touch their phones.
Meta is revamping the functionality of WhatsApp for use in cars, providing CarPlay and Android Auto users with far more options than just texting and calling. The company made this announcement in a recent post on their newsroom, along with other updates for the messaging application.
WhatsApp Now Offers Hands-Free Functionality in Cars
Previously, WhatsApp's integration with CarPlay only allowed for composing messages or making calls, both of which could divert a driver's focus from the road. Meta states that the updated version introduces hands-free playback and replies to incoming messages, a visible call log, and quick access to favorite contacts, all displayed on the vehicle's infotainment screen.
Android Auto is receiving the same enhancements, transforming WhatsApp's in-car functionality from a simplified version of the mobile app into a more useful resource for drivers.
iPads Finally Achieve Primary Device Status
Meta is also addressing one of the last remaining obstacles for the iPad version of WhatsApp to become fully independent from smartphones. Last year, WhatsApp launched a dedicated iPad app, but the tablet could still only function as a secondary device.
Earlier this month, WhatsApp began rolling out primary device support for iPads, enabling users to register directly on their tablets. This feature is now being made widely available, with Meta stating that setup only requires a phone number for receiving a one-time password.
Additionally, a new option allows users to share songs from Apple Music or Spotify directly to their WhatsApp Status, eliminating the need for a screenshot workaround. PDFs are also being simplified to open directly in chats on web and desktop without needing to download them, with basic highlighting and annotation tools included.
WhatsApp has introduced new features nearly every month this summer, ranging from a paid Plus tier in May to usernames in June. Today's updates are relatively minor, but they will significantly enhance how users navigate the app daily, whether it's messaging from the driver's seat or setting up a new tablet without needing another device at hand.
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WhatsApp's new in-car feature is centered on hands-free operation.
WhatsApp has updated its in-car experience to provide improved hands-free controls for CarPlay and Android Auto users.
WhatsApp's latest in-car feature focuses on hands-free operation.
WhatsApp has updated its in-car functionality to provide improved hands-free controls for users of CarPlay and Android Auto.