WhatsApp adds hands‑free car mode, iPad accounts and PDF editing

Meta announced on 22 July 2026 a suite of updates that extend WhatsApp beyond the phone. The messaging app now works hands‑free on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, letting drivers listen to messages, respond by voice, make calls, view call history and reach favorite contacts from the vehicle’s infotainment screen. On iPad, users can create a WhatsApp account directly on the tablet without linking to a smartphone, turning the iPad into a primary device. In partnership with Adobe Acrobat, WhatsApp Web and the desktop client can open PDF files inside chats and provide basic annotation tools such as highlighting and drawing. A new feature also lets users share songs from Apple Music or Spotify to their Status. The changes are being rolled out gradually worldwide. "We're working with partners so WhatsApp fits perfectly with the other apps you use and all your devices," Meta said.