WhatsApp Gets New CarPlay App

[MacRumors]

Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp was today updated with expanded support for CarPlay. CarPlay users are able to more easily call and message their friends and family members in WhatsApp directly from the car interface.

WhatsApp had CarPlay integration before, but with limited Siri-based functionality. The new app has a full native CarPlay interface with a list of recent chats and call history, along with a tab for favorite contacts. There are quick access buttons for sending a message via dictation or placing a call, which makes it easier to communicate.

The updated WhatsApp CarPlay app has been in testing since last week. WhatsApp users can access the new CarPlay app by updating WhatsApp on the iPhone to the latest version and then connecting the device to a CarPlay-compatible vehicle.

Article Link: WhatsApp Gets New CarPlay App

 

[jmh600cbr]

Hopefully WhatsApp business follows soon!

 

[Populus]

Nice, but I’m still waiting for the Liquid Glass update… WhatsApp Business already has the Liquid Glass UI, but regular WhatsApp still has the iOS 18 interface.

 

[applefan8254]

Can we get editable usernames? I feel like the feature has been coming for the last few years and it's always "next year". Would be nice if they could make it this year.

 

[LightProtector]

That was fast

 

[segfaultdotorg]

This is an Apple site, why was this image taken of an Android phone? I can tell by the lack of a notch at the top of the display, and the excessively wide bezel at the bottom. Apple cares way more about design and would never allow such an abomination!

 

[dkh587]

Can we get editable usernames? I feel like the feature has been coming for the last few years and it's always "next year". Would be nice if they could make it this year.

Yes.. they’ve been dragging their feet on this.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Low comment thread. Tempted to jump in and say no one uses WhatsApp, everyone uses iMessage / SMS!

But I wouldn't stir the pot like that.

Seriously good to see anything getting CarPlay support.

Edit: muahahahaha! Can’t believe people still took that one seriously.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

Low comment thread. Tempted to jump in and say no one uses WhatsApp, everyone uses iMessage / SMS!

The subscription-only iMessage Pro (which will include Android support) is going to be great for revenue!

 

[businessnumbersmoneypeopl]

I don't need any bells and whistles, but I wish Signal could manage to get its own CarPlay app at least somewhat more functional. That would make it easier to continue transitioning away from Zuckerberg's platforms.

 

[macribas]

Low comment thread. Tempted to jump in and say no one uses WhatsApp, everyone uses iMessage / SMS!

But I wouldn't stir the pot like that.

Seriously good to see anything getting CarPlay support.

I got curious and went for numbers. WhatsApp has at least double the iMessage user base. It has over 3 Billion MAU, and Apple only has 1.5 Billion active iPhones out there.

 

[iTom17]

Low comment thread. Tempted to jump in and say no one uses WhatsApp, everyone uses iMessage / SMS!

But I wouldn't stir the pot like that.

Seriously good to see anything getting CarPlay support.

Actually, in the EU - at least in the western EU-countries - most people do use WhatsApp. I don’t know anyone actively using iMessage on the other hand. And SMS is only used in very rare instances, such as being in a place with bad data coverage.

 

[adder7712]

Low comment thread. Tempted to jump in and say no one uses WhatsApp, everyone uses iMessage / SMS!

But I wouldn't stir the pot like that.

Seriously good to see anything getting CarPlay support.

Meanwhile. Where I’m at. No one uses SMS or iMessage lol.

 

[tomtad]

Seriously, how long does iMessage have left?

 

[svish]

Good to know about this. I don't use the app much and don't think this will be useful for me.

 

[Adam-Jobs]

Actually, in the EU - at least in the western EU-countries - most people do use WhatsApp. I don’t know anyone actively using iMessage on the other hand. And SMS is only used in very rare instances, such as being in a place with bad data coverage.

Don’t you know everything revolves around America and what they think to be true!

 

[thelion7]

This is an Apple site, why was this image taken of an Android phone? I can tell by the lack of a notch at the top of the display, and the excessively wide bezel at the bottom. Apple cares way more about design and would never allow such an abomination!
View attachment 2620780

This is great news for me for two reasons.

1. My messages app hasn’t shown up for me on CarPlay since iOS 26.2.

2. I actually use WhatsApp to keep in touch with people instead of messages.

 

[MayaUser]

Anyone tried whats on carplay yet? whats different ?
You can text or something or is still voice only

 

[floling]

...well you shouldnt text and drive.. even hands free.. take your time while driving.. enjoy the silence ...😉

 

[Dr McKay]

Anyone tried whats on carplay yet? whats different ?
You can text or something or is still voice only

You can go into the app and pick specific chats instead of just being asked by Siri "Do you want me to read your messages, or send a message?"

 

[MayaUser]

...well you shouldnt text and drive.. even hands free.. take your time while driving.. enjoy the silence ...😉

by law you are allowed on stationary even with your phone...so...and you can use web whattsup however you want so this is false modesty from whattsup that they "dont allow you to text" while in the car as long you can let you whatssup on web on the displays car
So, pointless comment/advice

 

[thelion7]

Anyone tried whats on carplay yet? whats different ?
You can text or something or is still voice only

I seen this yesterday but forgot to check on my way to work today.

Gonna try on my way home this evening.

I hope they fix the messages app on Car Play.

Tried everything I can think of after each Public iOS release and it still doesn't show up! 🙁

 

[thelion7]

You can go into the app and pick specific chats instead of just being asked by Siri "Do you want me to read your messages, or send a message?"

View attachment 2620838

Guessing it just works like Apples Messages app then?

Which is decent, it's nice to be able to select what messages to read instead of having siri read them in order and then ask do you want to reply.

Gives you more control.

 

[MayaUser]

You can go into the app and pick specific chats instead of just being asked by Siri "Do you want me to read your messages, or send a message?"

View attachment 2620838

I think whattsup should allow when stationary the full app. Audi/land rover does have that

 

[MayaUser]

I seen this yesterday but forgot to check on my way to work today.

Gonna try on my way home this evening.

I hope they fix the messages app on Car Play.

Tried everything I can think of after each Public iOS release and it still doesn't show up! 🙁

Thank you, i got an update today but nothing about carplay