WhatsApp has fundamentally redesigned its CarPlay integration. Instead of the previous limited Siri control, there is now a fully-fledged native app with chat overview, call history, and quick access to favorites.
WhatsApp is one of the world's most popular messaging apps – but using it in the car via Apple CarPlay has been cumbersome until now. The previous integration was essentially limited to Siri-based voice commands, without a dedicated interface in the CarPlay dashboard. That's changing now: With the latest update, WhatsApp gets a fully native CarPlay app that offers significantly more features.
Apple has gradually opened up CarPlay to third-party apps in recent years. Since iOS 26, messaging apps have been able to display their own interfaces within CarPlay, instead of only being accessible via Siri. WhatsApp is now taking advantage of this with a completely redesigned integration, which, after a short testing phase, has been available to all users since last week.
WhatsApp: What the new App offers
The new WhatsApp CarPlay app displays a list of recent chats and call history directly on the vehicle's display. Additionally, there's a tab for favorite contacts, allowing for quick access to frequently contacted individuals.
Two quick-access buttons are available for interaction: one for sending a message via dictation and one for initiating a call. The entire user interface is designed for driving safety – text input is exclusively via voice, and the interface is deliberately kept simple to minimize distractions.
This is how the App is activated
To use the new CarPlay app, WhatsApp on your iPhone must be updated to the latest version. The app will then automatically appear on the CarPlay dashboard as soon as your iPhone is connected to a compatible vehicle. No separate activation in the settings is required.
CarPlay is becoming increasingly versatile
WhatsApp isn't the only app to have recently received improved CarPlay integration. Apple announced a total of three popular iPhone apps with new CarPlay support last week. This expansion of the app selection demonstrates that CarPlay is increasingly evolving from a simple navigation and music interface into a fully-fledged in-car platform.
With the advent of CarPlay Ultra, which Apple announced at WWDC 2022 and which promises even deeper integration into vehicle systems, the importance of third-party apps in cars is likely to continue growing. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Diego Thomazini)
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