At Google’s developer conference Google I/O, it was announced that WhatsApp is developing a native app for Wear OS. Recently, WhatsApp also released a beta version of its app that is compatible with Google’s smartwatch platform. Those who are using WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.10.10 can link their Wear OS-based smartwatch and check their messages on the smartwatch. It is worth noting that all chats will be end-to-end encrypted, ensuring privacy and security for users.
According to the announcement made at Google I/O, users who have the beta version of WhatsApp for Android version 2.23.10.10 will be able to link their WearOS-based smartwatch and check their messages. However, they will not be able to initiate a new conversation or search for a particular chat on the Wear OS app at the moment. Users can only send voice notes to recent conversations or reply to a message with a voice note or text input. Google has confirmed that support for calls and starting conversations will be available when the app is available to all users.
Wear OS is experiencing strong growth, but Apple Watch remains the dominant player in the smartwatch market. Samsung is currently the largest manufacturer of Wear OS devices, and Fossil and Ticwatch have also launched models. Google released its own Pixel Watch in 2021, which runs on Wear OS, and is expected to continue investing in the platform to compete with Apple.
