WhatsApp is planning to add passkey support to its iPhone app, according to code discovered by software researcher @aaronp613 in the latest beta version of the app. Passkey support would allow iPhone users to sign in to WhatsApp with Face ID, Touch ID, or the device's passcode. Passkeys are stored in iCloud Keychain. To use passkeys on the iPhone, the device must be updated to iOS 16 or later. "Passkeys are more secure than passwords, because they're uniquely generated for every account by your own device, and are less vulnerable to phishing," says Apple. "And they work on all your devices that are signed in to the same Apple ID." It's unclear when WhatsApp plans to make this functionality available…

WhatsApp is finally testing its native iPad app, with a beta being available on its TestFlight program for enrolled members. (via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

WhatsApp for iPad finally appears to be nearing a release. In the latest version of WhatsApp Beta for TestFlight, Meta has introduced an option to use WhatsApp on an iPad independently of an iPhone, thanks to an update to its Link a Device feature. WhatsApp currently allows users of the encrypted messaging platform to link up to four devices to their account even when their main smartphone is not connected to the internet. Each linked device connects to WhatsApp independently, ensuring that personal messages, media, and calls are end-to-end encrypted. The feature also supports Macs, but not iPads – until now. As spotted by code researcher WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has started testing a facility to use iPads as a linked device in…

WhatsApp's revamped and native Mac app is here with group audio and video calling, finally making it a viable alternative to FaceTime. (via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Meta today released its overhauled WhatsApp app for macOS, introducing support for group calls, dragging and dropping files, and more. The new native Mac app is optimized for large displays and desktop-class experiences like dragging and dropping files into chats and viewing more messages in chat histories. It also touts better performance and supports WhatsApp group calls from macOS for the first time, supporting up to eight people on video calls and up to 32 people on audio calls. Users can join a group call after it has started, see their call history, and choose to receive incoming call notifications even when the app is closed. The new WhatsApp experience debuted on Windows earlier this year. Following a lengthy beta…

WhatsApp has released an update allowing iPhone and Android users to send photos over the messaging platform in high resolution, finally addressing the service's low quality image sharing limitation. Previously, WhatsApp users sending photos would see the images automatically compressed and the resolution reduced to 920 x 1280 to save storage space and keep image-sharing fast over low bandwidth data connections. After updating, they'll have the option to send images to friends and family in "HD quality," which equates to 3024 x 4032 resolution. The rollout of the feature was announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg via a Facebook post. Version 23.16.0 of the app adds a "HD" button at the top of the photo sharing screen, next to the…