WhatsApp native app for Wear OS 3 is finally here. The meta-owned messaging platform is rolling out the update to its beta testers on Android. The new feature notably comes with the WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.23.10.10, which also brings the ability to edit previously sent messages. Currently, Wear OS is supported by Samsung Galaxy smartwatches including the Galaxy Watch 5 and Pixel Watch. The new update and the native app for WhatsApp on Wear OS expand the horizon of what users can do on WhatsApp on their smartwatch. Read on ahead to know more.
WhatsApp Finally Releases Wear OS 3 Native App for Beta Testers
Official WhatsApp for Android smartwatch app is available on Wear OS!
After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.10.10 update, we discovered that WhatsApp is compatible with Wear OS, bringing the ability to use the app on a smartwatch!https://t.co/tp5fsuYk52 pic.twitter.com/ryjVa42Rjp
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) May 9, 2023
Notably, the Wear OS 3 was released with the main USP being support for third-party app developers. WhatsApp is now testing its native app on Wear OS through the WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.23.10.10 update. The app is currently available for the Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch 5, and other Wear OS 3 devices. It should roll out to general users in coming days.
According to WABetaInfo, after testing the native app, the Wear OS 3 native WhatsApp app shows recent contacts, settings, and open on phone option on the main screen. When users open a chat on the app on their smartwatch, they will be able to see the past messages in the conversation. They will also be able to send a voice message or reply using the system keyboard. The native app also lets users check their group chats, people in a group, and more.
All that users need to set up the app on their Wear OS 3 smartwatch is to enter an 8-digit code shown on the watch, in the smartphone. Once users enter the code, all existing chats will be synced across both devices and users can check them on their smartwatch also.
Notably, WhatsApp did roll out Android Wear support for its app in 2014 but had to recall it because of the lack of user adoption after the Wear OS rebrand. Until now, Wear OS users could see and respond only to new WhatsApp messages from the notifications shade. But that’s changing now with the native Wear OS 3 WhatsApp app, which lets users check their entire chat history, reply to previous messages, send voice notes, image previews, and more.
Are you a Wear OS device user and excited about this update? Let us know in the comments section below.
