WhatsApp Beta CarPlay App Enters Testing

WhatsApp is developing a dedicated application for Apple CarPlay, currently available in beta testing for select iOS users, allowing drivers to access chat lists and initiate calls directly from their vehicle's infotainment system.

The beta version, distributed through Apple's TestFlight program, marks a significant upgrade from the app's prior reliance on Siri for voice-only interactions. Previously, CarPlay users could only listen to incoming messages and dictate replies without a visual interface. Now, the standalone app provides a simplified home screen displaying recent conversations from the past 20 to 25 days, including contact names, profile pictures, unread message indicators, and details on muted or pinned chats. Users can view contact information and a dedicated call history log showing incoming, outgoing, and missed WhatsApp calls with timestamps.

Key features include a favorites tab for quick access to frequently contacted individuals and the ability to start new messages or calls to any contact. However, for safety reasons aligned with Apple's in-car guidelines, the app prohibits scrolling through full conversation threads or reading message histories. Message...