The newest WhatsApp beta version on TestFlight brings a native CarPlay app, enhancing the app’s functionality beyond the existing voice-controlled interface. Here are the specifics.
### Feature Anticipated to Launch in the Upcoming Weeks
WhatsApp users engaging with the app via CarPlay will likely tell you that the current integration is quite limited. Tapping the WhatsApp icon on CarPlay presently activates Siri, offering options to request it to draft a new message or make a voice call.
However, as reported by WABetaInfo, Meta is developing a thoroughly redesigned WhatsApp experience that transcends the present Siri commands. It unveils a native CarPlay interface enabling users to browse recent chats, access contact details, and start messages or calls without solely depending on voice commands.
From WABetaInfo:
> When users launch WhatsApp from the system launcher, they are greeted with a dedicated chat list screen. This serves as the primary tab of the app, allowing users to view their recent interactions, typically covering conversations from the past 20 to 25 days. Keep in mind that it is not possible to open a particular chat to read its history. This is sensible, as drivers should not be reading full conversations while driving. When not on the road, users can easily retrieve the full chat history on their smartphones.
The updated CarPlay experience is presently accessible to a select group of users testing the app via TestFlight.
It encompasses:
– A new **contact info** interface that allows users to view profile information for each contact;
– A **call history** interface displaying recent calls, including whether they were incoming, outgoing, or missed;
– Support for **favorite contacts** through a dedicated tab.
As typical with any beta feature, there’s currently no information regarding when WhatsApp will officially release it, nor if features will be added or removed ahead of launch.
To find out more about CarPlay support in the WhatsApp beta, follow this link.