WhatsApp Adds iPad Sign-ups, Improved CarPlay and Android Auto Experiences

WhatsApp is starting to roll out the ability to create an account by using its iPad app, with no need to link an iPhone or Android phone. This has been a top-requested feature from the user base, and it should help to make the messaging app less phone-dependent.

The WhatsApp app for iPad was finally released in May 2025, a long time after Meta apps such as Facebook and Facebook Messenger launched on Apple’s tablets. Instagram, another app that didn’t take tablets very seriously, also finally released a native iPad app in September.

The WhatsApp team has also started to roll out a redesigned car experience on vehicles that support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. “We’ve completely refreshed the WhatsApp care audio experience. Now you can hear and respond to messages, make calls, see your call history, and reach your favorites – hands-free and right from your car’s screen,” the team explained yesterday.

On the web and desktop, WhatsApp is also adding the ability to open and edit PDFs right from the app using Adobe Acrobat. Lastly, Apple Music and Spotify users can now share songs to their WhatsApp Status, the app’s ephemeral Story format.

WhatsApp is currently in the process of rolling out a new username system that will allow users to interact with others without sharing their phone numbers. You can now reserve your unique username in the app, but the new privacy feature will remain optional.