The inevitable finally happened, with Meta bringing ads to WhatsApp Status, allowing businesses to promote their services or products. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that lets users build their own AI chatbot assistant within the app, reports WABetaInfo. Currently rolling out to a small number of WhatsApp beta testers is a new section in the app called "AI Studio," which walks users through the creation of their AI assistant. The idea isn't dissimilar to OpenAI's custom GPTs or Google Gemini's Gems. Users can devise their AI's role, personality traits, specialisms, and style of discourse, and start chatting with them immediately after creation. Here's how WABetaInfo describes it: The creation process is structured as a guided flow directly from the AI Studio screen, making it easier to follow even for users with no technical background. The process starts with…

WhatsApp has ended support for iOS versions older than iOS 15.1, removing the chat platform's compatibility with several iPhone models in the process. The change began on June 1, after Meta delayed it from an original planned date of May 5. WhatsApp is no longer compatible with iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus models. Users with those devices won't be able to access the encrypted chat service through the app unless they upgrade their iPhone. Alternatively, users can visit web.whatsapp.com in their browser, but the experience won't be the same. Users who intend to upgrade can back up their WhatsApp chats to iCloud, and restore their full chat and media history to a newer, supported device using using…

WhatsApp is now available for iPad, Meta today announced. ‌iPad‌ support comes more than 15 years after the messaging service launched. In September, Meta started beta testing WhatsApp for ‌iPad‌ via TestFlight. WhatsApp 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. In addition to WhatsApp, Meta owns Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. There is an ‌iPad‌ app for Facebook, but the Threads app remains iPhone only. An Instagram app for the iPad is reportedly in the works. WhatsApp for ‌iPad‌ is available to download from…

WhatsApp’s long-missing iPad app might finally be launching soon, with Meta dropping a subtle but promising hint on X. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

The popular messaging app WhatsApp has teased a long-awaited iPad app, which would be offered alongside its existing iPhone and Mac apps. The official WhatsApp account on X today reacted with an eyes emoji to a post saying that WhatsApp should release an iPad app. This could be a hint that Meta is finally gearing up to release WhatsApp for iPad, which has already been available for beta testing via TestFlight for nearly two years. File this news under "finally." With an Instagram app for the iPad also reportedly in the works, it appears that Meta is finally embracing the iPad for some of its most popular apps. In addition to WhatsApp and Instagram, Meta owns Facebook and Threads. There…