With iOS 18.2, Apple has introduced a new option that lets iPhone users set third-party apps as the default for calls and messages. Now WhatsApp has finally released an update to support this API, which means that users can choose WhatsApp to be the iPhone’s default app for calls and texts.
Set WhatsApp as default calling/messaging app
As first noticed by WABetaInfo, the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS enables support for the option to choose default apps. When you choose a new app as your default, it is automatically used for related actions. In this case, if you tap on a phone number, the iPhone will use WhatsApp to call it instead of the iOS Phone app.
Top comment by mark7983
can we get this option for microsoft teams? And or - can whatsapp give users an option to have multiple primary devices? Limiting us to 1 primary device hinders themselves. For security they could limit it to 2 or 3 primary devices, with the ability to add 5 linked devices to each primary devices. And it could still default to 1 primary device, and, people who have it set on 1 primary device mode could have it so their messages are only seen on others 1 primary device and linked devices. But I think 2 primary devices could be a sweet spot, with weekly or biweekly passkey authentication.
Although the option to choose default iOS apps was developed as part of the changes required by the European Union, Apple ended up making the feature available to everyone.
In addition to changing default apps for calls and texts, iPhone users can also choose other default apps for email, call filtering, web browser, translation, passwords, payments (only in some regions), and keyboards. In the EU, users can change the default maps app as well.
The feature is now being rolled out to all WhatsApp users – not just beta users. WhatsApp is available for free on the App Store. Make sure you update to the latest version of the app to get access to the new features.
Read also
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- Telegram adds AI-powered sticker search and improved video player
- WhatsApp will let users link social media accounts to their profile
- Discord introduces button to ignore people without them knowing
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