After what seems like an eternity, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp has finally launched a native app for macOS. The new version offers Mac users similar functionality to what Windows PC users have enjoyed since March.
The new Mac app is already available for free download via WhatsApp’s servers, but those who prefer to use the Mac App Store may have to wait a bit: WhatsApp says it’s coming soon.
No matter where you download the updated WhatsApp app, you’ll benefit from new features, including some introduced by switching to a native macOS app. For the first time, familiar Mac features like drag and drop are available to WhatsApp users. Files can easily be dragged and dropped into a chat for convenience, while those with a longer chat history will now see more of them, we’re told.
Multiple Macs in your app
WhatsApp announced its new app via a blog postemphasizing that calling features have been improved for those who wish to take advantage of them.
“With the new WhatsApp app for Mac, you can now make group calls from your Mac for the first time, connecting with up to 8 people on video calls and up to 32 people on audio calls,” the blog post explains. “You can now join a group call after it’s started, see your call history, and choose to receive incoming call notifications even when the app is closed.”
In addition to the new drag-and-drop support, WhatsApp users can also expect all the usual features they are used to. This means their chats will continue to be end-to-end encrypted and cross-platform support will continue to make WhatsApp one of the best instant messaging platforms out there. In a world where Apple continues to refuse to support RCS on its devices, third-party apps remain a requirement for communicating with people across the Android-iPhone divide.
You can download the new WhatsApp native app for Mac from the company website Right now. You’ll need macOS 11 Big Sur or later, and you’ll need a Mac with Apple silicon, so it’s M1 or later, folks. Don’t have a Mac that meets these requirements? WhatsApp web is still available.
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