The WhatsApp team has launched the standalone WhatsApp for CarPlay app. They are considering it a big update. The app is currently live in India and some other parts of the world as well. With the new update, there are certain things that will be introduced. WhatsApp has supported CarPlay previously through the beta version on TestFlight. There were certain things included in the beta version, like chat and call history, that have now been included in the final update.
WhatsApp for iOS version 26.13.74 was rolled out by WhatsApp on Tuesday. However, the biggest highlight of this new update is the introduction of a new and separate WhatsApp app for CarPlay for vehicle infotainment systems. Calling it a "major update," WhatsApp announced the launch of WhatsApp for CarPlay through an event posted on the App Store. This information was first reported by WABetaInfo.
The company says that WhatsApp for CarPlay is currently available in select markets worldwide, including India. It allows users to call and message "friends and groups" directly from their vehicle's infotainment system, provided their iPhone is connected to the system. Currently, WhatsApp has not yet revealed the full features of this new CarPlay app, but it is reported that some of the features previously seen in the beta version of the app have now been rolled out to the stable version.
According to reports, the WhatsApp for CarPlay app has two separate sections for displaying chat and call history. This allows users to see who they've recently called or messaged with via WhatsApp. Users can make calls directly from their vehicle's dashboard. However, to open the chat window, users will need to stop their vehicle and check the chat on their phone. This is reportedly to avoid distractions while driving.
According to information received, users will be able to respond to WhatsApp messages via voice dictation. Until now, users had to have Siri read out messages and respond to them through Siri. This will no longer be necessary. Additionally, WhatsApp and normal phone calls will appear on the same page. However, with the WhatsApp for CarPlay app, users will be able to view recent WhatsApp calls separately on a separate screen.