WhatsApp is working on a dedicated CarPlay app

The latest WhatsApp beta build on TestFlight introduces a native CarPlay app, extending the app’s utility beyond the current voice-based interface. Here are the details.

Feature expected to become available in the coming weeks

As WhatsApp users who interact with the app through CarPlay will probably tell you, the current integration is rather limited.

Tapping on the WhatsApp icon on CarPlay currently invokes Siri, alongside options to ask it to compose a new message, or place a voice call.

However, according to WABetaInfo, Meta is working on a completely revamped WhatsApp experience that goes beyond the current Siri commands. It introduces a native CarPlay interface that lets users browse recent chats, view contact details, and initiate messages or calls without relying entirely on voice.

From WABetaInfo:

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.

The revamped CarPlay experience is currently available to a limited set of users who are currently testing the app through TestFlight.

It includes:

• A new contact info interface that lets users view profile details for each contact;
• A call history interface showing recent calls, including whether they were incoming, outgoing, or missed;
• Support for favorite contacts through a dedicated tab.

As is the case with any beta feature, there’s currently no information as to when WhatsApp will release it publicly, nor whether features will be added or removed before launch.

To learn more about CarPlay support in the WhatsApp beta, follow this link.

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