WhatsApp expands iPad, car, PDF and security features worldwide
WhatsApp has introduced a suite of new capabilities aimed at multi‑device use and stronger account protection. Users can now create a full WhatsApp account directly on an iPad without linking to a phone, although a phone‑number verification via SMS is still required. The update also revamps the in‑car experience on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to listen to, reply to messages, place calls, view call history and reach favorite contacts from the vehicle display.
In addition, WhatsApp adds a built‑in PDF viewer and basic annotation tools on desktop and web, letting users open and highlight documents without leaving the chat. A new Status feature lets users share songs directly from Apple Music or Spotify.
Separately, WhatsApp is testing a replacement for its six‑digit two‑step verification PIN with an alphanumeric password, offering higher entropy and resistance to guessing attacks. The password option is currently in beta and not yet rolled out to all users.
All changes are being rolled out globally across Android, iOS and web platforms.
Entities: Adobe Acrobat · Android Auto · Apple CarPlay · Meta Platforms · WhatsApp
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] WhatsApp enabled users to share songs from Apple Music and Spotify directly to their Status updates. (WhatsApp)
- [DISPUTED] WhatsApp now allows users to create a full account directly on an iPad without linking to a phone. (WhatsApp)
- [● 4 SOURCES] WhatsApp updated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to let drivers read and reply to messages, place calls, view call history and access favorite contacts from the car display. (WhatsApp)
- [● 3 SOURCES] WhatsApp is testing a replacement of its six‑digit two‑step verification PIN with an alphanumeric password for stronger security. (WhatsApp)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The password‑based two‑step verification feature is currently in beta testing and not yet generally available. (WhatsApp)
- [● 3 SOURCES] WhatsApp added a built‑in PDF viewer and basic annotation tools that let users open and highlight PDF files within the app on desktop and web. (WhatsApp)
- [DISPUTED] Creating an iPad‑only WhatsApp account still requires verification of a phone number via SMS. (WhatsApp)