WhatsApp releases a native CarPlay app to iOS beta testers

WhatsApp is bringing its messaging experience to CarPlay with a native interface designed for driving-friendly use. The beta app lets users access their recent chat list, view contact details, manage calls, and send messages while keeping their focus on the road.

WhatsApp expands its messaging experience to new devices

This month, we announced that WhatsApp released an official app for Garmin Smartwatches. Similar to the Apple Watch, WhatsApp requires the smartphone to stay nearby within Bluetooth range to ensure a stable connection. Once linked, the app allows users to read, manage, and reply to messages directly from their wrist. It has improved notification support, quick replies, emojis, and even a built-in keyboard for typing responses. Over time, we have seen WhatsApp evolve with dedicated support for tablets, iPad, Apple Watch, and now Garmin smartwatches. Finally, WhatsApp is focused on delivering an improved CarPlay experience through a dedicated app.

WhatsApp on CarPlay: from Siri integration to a native beta app

Before a dedicated app, WhatsApp did not offer a native interface for CarPlay. Instead, WhatsApp relied on Apple CarPlay integrations through Siri to handle basic tasks. Users could receive notifications, have messages read aloud, and reply using voice dictation, but they could not browse the chat list to see their recent conversations. As a result, the experience was limited and focused primarily on hands-free interaction rather than full app functionality. With the latest beta updates available on TestFlight, WhatsApp is introducing early support for a dedicated CarPlay app. The new app supports both light and dark mode, and it offers basic messaging and call features to minimize distractions for drivers.

WhatsApp beta for CarPlay has a chat list screen

As soon as users open WhatsApp from the system launcher, they are presented with a dedicated chat list screen. This is the first tab of the app that lets users see their recent conversations, and they typically covers interactions from the past 20 to 25 days. Note that it is not possible to open a specific conversation to read its chat history. This makes sense since the driver shouldn't be reading entire conversations while on the road. When they are off the road, users can easily access the complete chat history on their smartphone.

In the CarPlay app, the chat list helps users quickly identify the contacts they have interacted with recently. This makes it easier for users to decide who to message without relying entirely on voice commands. The chat list offers basic information for all recent conversations, including if the chat is muted or pinned. It also lets users check when the latest message was shared in a specific conversation.

Before this update, users had to depend on Siri interactions to send messages, which offered less visual control. Now, they can simply select a contact directly from the chat list to send a message. If the desired contact does not appear in the list, users can tap the "New Message" option, which is always visible at the top of the chat tab. This option allows users to send a message to any contact in their address book. In addition, WhatsApp includes a filter that lets users quickly view chats with unread messages only. The app marks chats with unread messages with a blue dot.

WhatsApp beta for CarPlay lets users view contact info

From the chat list, users can select a contact to see its information. The app will present a new screen where the main profile details are visibile. These include their name and profile icon for easy recognition. In this screen, users can decide whether to send a message or start a call by tapping a button. By selecting the contact from the chat list, users can initiate communication to quickly reach out to the user directly from the CarPlay interface.

WhatsApp beta for CarPlay offers detailed call history

The second tab allows users to view their call history. From here, users can view their recent WhatsApp calls in one organized place. The list includes incoming calls, outgoing calls, and missed calls that the user did not answer. The app displays the contact name, profile icon, and the date of the call. So this tab makes it easier for users to identify who called and when. Users can also initiate a call directly from this tab, either returning a missed call. If users want to start a call with someone not listed in the call history, they can do so using Siri by tapping the button available at the top of the list.

WhatsApp beta for CarPlay lets users find their favorite contacts with ease

With the latest update, users can see a third tab in the CarPlay app. This tab allows them to find the contacts marked as favorites. Favorite contacts are selected directly within the app on the phone. The Favorites tab makes it faster for users to find these important contacts. From this tab, it is possible to start a call or send a message immediately without searching through the full chat list.

WhatsApp for CarPlay is available for download to beta testers

WhatsApp for CarPlay is currently available to beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app. This means that only users enrolled in the iOS beta program can explore the app and its features before the public release. Since this is a beta app, it may still contain bugs and missing features, and its functionality may change. Full support for all features is not planned, as the app currently focuses only on core interactions. Beta testers have early access to explore and provide feedback on the new CarPlay interface directly from the TestFlight app. Once the app is fully developed and stable, it will be released publicly on the App Store for all users.

Stay Connected with WABetaInfo

Follow WABetaInfo on X to stay informed about new features and updates. We love hearing your feedback, so please let us know what you think! You can also visit our About page to explore all our services and keep up with the latest announcements.