The WhatsApp Messenger app is now supported on Apple's CarPlay. With the latest update, owners of cars with CarPlay can now access messages on the app right through the vehicle's head unit or radio without holding the iPhone.
WhatsApp is the first third-party messaging service to offer such support for Apple's service that allows users to control their iPhones while driving. The latest version 2.18.20 can now be downloaded from the App Store. Once done, the app will show up when it is connected to CarPlay.
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In compliance with Apple's strict rules for CarPlay, WhatsApp users will have to use Siri to control messages, just like any messaging and Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps. No interfaces will be available to the user as usual.
In order to read and compose messages, users have to enable the app's access to the microphone. Users also have the option to display notifications or segregate them accordingly.
WhatsApp works differently from Apple's own iMessage as the former does not have the ability to scroll through a list of message threads.
Meanwhile, there is no word from Apple when other messaging apps will become available on CarPlay. Aside from Apple's stock apps, other popular apps supported on CarPlay include Spotify, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, CBS Radio, NPR One, and Audible, among many others.
