WhatsApp is making it easier for iPhone users to use the app as their default calling and messaging app by leveraging iOS 18.2’s new feature that lets third-party apps become the default for calls and messages. WhatsApp has started rolling out support for default apps on iPhone.
WhatsApp’s new integration with iOS 18.2
The latest version of WhatsApp for iOS now includes support for Apple’s API, which allows users to select a preferred calling and messaging app. This means that when an iPhone user taps on a phone number, WhatsApp can be set as the default option instead of Apple’s built-in Phone or Messages apps.
How to set WhatsApp as the default app
The new functionality is now rolling out to all WhatsApp users, not just those in the beta program, but in a phased manner and might take a while to become available for you.
To access the feature, users need to update WhatsApp to the latest version via the App Store. Once updated, they can go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps on their iPhone and select WhatsApp as their default calling and messaging app.
Apple’s default app customization beyond messaging
Making calls and messages the default selection option for third-party apps goes in line with Apple’s latest effort to offer more flexibility to developers and users. Along with the messages and calls options, iPhone users can also select alternative default apps for web browsing, email, call filtering, translation, password management, and payments (in select regions). In the European Union, Apple has gone a step further by allowing users to change their default maps app.
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