WhatsApp Tests Native CarPlay App to Enhance In-Car Messaging Experience

WhatsApp is reportedly developing a native app for Apple CarPlay, aiming to make messaging and calling safer and more accessible for iPhone users while driving. According to reports, the feature is currently being tested among iOS beta users via TestFlight, introducing a dedicated interface within CarPlay. Unlike the earlier version that relied entirely on Siri, the update allows users to view recent chats, select contacts, and initiate messages or calls directly from their car’s display.

The upcoming CarPlay integration focuses on essential features while maintaining safety. A new chat list screen will display recent conversations from the past few weeks—typically covering 20 to 25 days—helping users quickly identify frequent contacts. However, full chat histories will remain inaccessible to minimize distractions. Users can send messages via a “New Message” option, filter unread messages marked with a blue dot, and access tabs for call history and favourite contacts, enabling quick communication without navigating complex menus.

Currently, the feature is in limited rollout and available only to beta testers, indicating it is still under development and may include bugs or incomplete elements. A broader public release is expected once stability improves. With this move, Meta Platforms appears to be expanding WhatsApp’s functionality beyond smartphones, offering a more structured and controlled in-car experience while prioritizing driver safety.

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