WhatsApp for iPad is here, but it comes with a 'big problem': What is it and how it affects you

WhatsApp for iPad

It took almost 15 years for WhatsApp to come up with the iPad version of the instant messaging app. While it is good news for many iPad users who have been waiting for it, there’s one feature – an important one – that’s missing from the WhatsApp for iPad app. In fact, the iPhone and Android smartphone and tablet versions have it

The feature we are referring to is the lack of setting up WhatsApp on an iPad as your primary device. Let us explain what it means for users.

Meta has launched the WhatsApp app on iPad. However, it is not like the regular version of the app. What we mean is the app acts as a companion version like your Windows PC or Mac. It is not like the Android or iPhone version, where you can set up the WhatsApp app from scratch using your phone number and make it your primary WhatsApp device.

This means you’ll have to use the iPad’s version of the WhatsApp app via the ‘Linked Device’ feature and pair it through the iPhone or an Android device.

Can be a deal breaker for some

When it comes to offering features and safety, and security, the iPad version is not a slouch. However, there are going to be certain limitations that come as a part of Lthe inked Devices feature. For instance, you can’t set up the iPad app with a separate phone number. Or, the OTPs you receive on WhatsApp won’t appear on the iPad version. The same goes for other sensitive information that you receive on WhatsApp.