Exciting news for Apple Watch users: WhatsApp has finally arrived on your wrist! But here's the catch: not all Apple Watch models are compatible, and there’s a surprising limitation on audio messages that might just spark debate. Let’s dive into the details.
One of the world’s most popular messaging apps, WhatsApp, has officially made its way to the Apple Watch, as announced by both companies earlier this week. With over 3 billion active monthly users, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted platform is a go-to for secure communication. Now, Apple Watch users can read, respond, and interact with messages directly from their wrist, much like they do with the native Messages app. And this is the part most people miss: while the integration is a game-changer, it’s not without its quirks.
Here’s what you can do with WhatsApp on your Apple Watch: receive call notifications, read full messages, send voice messages, react with emojis, view chat history, and enjoy a clearer interface. I tested it on my Apple Watch Series 11, and some features, like texting and adding emojis, worked seamlessly. The smart reply options are a handy addition, too, allowing you to respond quickly without typing. Navigating chats felt intuitive, though there’s one limitation that stood out.
Controversially, WhatsApp on the Apple Watch restricts audio messages to just 10 seconds. Yes, you read that right—only 10 seconds. This might seem odd, especially since WhatsApp on mobile allows much longer recordings. Could this be a deliberate move to encourage quick, concise communication on the smartwatch? Or is it a limitation that users will find frustrating? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
As for compatibility, WhatsApp is available on Apple Watch Series 4 and later, provided your device is updated to WatchOS 10 or newer. This feels like just the beginning, as WhatsApp has hinted at adding “even more useful functionality” in future updates. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this integration a must-have, or just a nice-to-have? Does the 10-second audio limit make it less practical for everyday use? Weigh in below—we’d love to hear your take.
For those considering an Apple Watch upgrade, now might be the perfect time. Check out our in-depth review of every Apple Watch model in 2025 to see why the Ultra stands out (https://www.zdnet.com/article/ive-tested-every-apple-watch-model-in-2025-heres-why-now-is-the-best-time-to-buy-the-ultra/). And don’t forget to add ZDNET as a preferred source on Google (https://cc.zdnet.com/v1/otc/00hQi47eqnEWQ6T9d4QLBUc?element=BODY&elementlabel=Add+us+as+a+preferred+Google+source&module=LINK&objecttype=text-link&objectuuid=5e5d2e64-4b30-43e6-8555-26eac7e449f3&position=1&template=article&trackcode=COMCLICKID&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fpreferences%2Fsource%3Fq%3Dzdnet.com&viewinstanceuuid=379e95d2-6b56-476b-a90b-043a8dd63bd3) to stay updated on the latest tech news.
