WhatsApp has been available on the Apple iPad for some time now, but its abilities have always been limited. It didn’t have access to broadcast lists, for one thing. Users can’t share live location either, regardless of whether the tablet’s SIM slot is filled or not. The worst bit, though? It can’t serve as your primary device, no matter what.
It’s about time
That’s going to change, and soon. For some of you, it already has. WhatsApp has pushed out an update to iPad users (version 26.25.74) that’ll bring it up to scratch with mobile devices, rather than simply being an extension of your smartphone. This will allow users to set up WhatsApp right on their iPad, with no smartphone in sight.
When the update reaches your device, it can be pulled out of companion mode and set as your primary device. You’ll still need a phone number (meaning either a SIM or an eSIM) to set up the app outside of the companion workflow. Doing so will also unlock some of the missing features we’ve already mentioned — as well as stop the iPad from logging out of WhatsApp every fourteen days as a security measure.
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The change will likely not affect many users. Much of WhatsApp’s user base is happy to continue plugging away at the app on their smartphone, and use their iPad as a back-up. As WABetaInfo points out, companion mode isn’t being nixed. Users can still use it as a secondary device, though they will still have to contend with the obstructions that come with it.
There’s no telling when the update will reach your iPad. Some users can already set up their iPad as a primary device, while others are still waiting for their turn. WhatsApp is rolling out the update gradually, likely positioning itself to step in and resolve any potential security risks the update may introduce.
