I’ve been a loyal CarPlay user for years, so this update seems long overdue. WhatsApp is finally working on a proper app for CarPlay and it’s about time. Previously, I could only see notifications on the dashboard without any real interaction beyond that. The catch is that it is still in the testing phase and is only available to iOS beta users for now. So yes, it’s coming – but we’re not quite there yet.
Avoid detailed conversations
The WhatsApp CarPlay beta is all about keeping you connected without taking your focus off the wheel. Once you launch the app from the system launcher, you’ll be greeted with a dedicated chat list screen – the first tab you see, which clearly displays your recent conversations from the last 20 to 25 days or so. It’s your instantly available snapshot of what happened in your chats without showing you the entire conversation history.
You can’t immerse yourself in full chat threads while driving because safety comes first. But when you get back on solid ground, your phone will still remember all the details.
The chat list gives you just enough information to keep track of your messages: which chats are muted, which are pinned, and when was the last message sent. Additionally, you can view contact information, see detailed call history, and quickly find your favorite contacts. Everything is optimized for CarPlay, giving you control and context without having to endlessly scroll behind the wheel.
A little foretaste before the complete journey
According to WABetaInfo, it is currently only played by WhatsApp for CarPlay. It is only available to users who have installed the latest iOS beta version of WhatsApp via TestFlight. And since it’s a beta, you have to expect a few rough edges. Here too, WhatsApp doesn’t go all out. The focus is clearly on the essentials. So don’t expect the full app experience on your car’s screen just yet.
That means beta users get the first taste. You can try out the interface, see how it fits into CarPlay, and send feedback directly through TestFlight. This is essentially a preview phase where things can change before the big rollout. Once everything is polished and stable, WhatsApp will release it to everyone. Until then, you’ll have to wait a bit unless you’re already in the beta circle.
