WhatsApp announces a new native macOS app

WhatsApp has introduced a new macOS application, providing Mac users with a native experience similar to what Windows users have already enjoyed. This app comes after WhatsApp's earlier release of an upgraded Windows desktop client. Previously, WhatsApp was primarily designed as a mobile app, but it expanded to include a Windows version last year, allowing users to chat from their PCs without needing to connect their phones. Before these native desktop apps, users had to rely on the web version of WhatsApp to access the service on their computers.

In their blog post about the macOS launch, Meta (the company behind WhatsApp) stated that this new app enables users to make group video calls with up to 8 people and group voice calls with up to 32 people simultaneously. Users can also join ongoing group calls, view their call history, and receive incoming call notifications even when the app is closed. The app has been designed to seamlessly integrate with macOS, providing a familiar and user-friendly experience on larger screens. It even allows for easy file sharing through simple drag-and-drop functionality.

One significant feature worth mentioning is the end-to-end encryption, which WhatsApp implemented for all mobile users several years ago and extended to its desktop apps. This ensures that personal messages and calls remain private and can only be accessed by the intended recipients, providing a high level of security and privacy for both Windows and Mac users.

WhatsApp began testing the native Mac app in 2022, followed by a public beta release earlier this year, specifically for Apple Silicon devices running macOS 11 Big Sur or newer. It's unclear whether the app will become available for a broader range of devices in the future, but for now, you can download it directly from the WhatsApp website. Additionally, the company has mentioned that it will soon be accessible through the Mac App Store.