The native WhatsApp app for Wear OS will arrive by the end of 2023.

Meta took advantage of the Google I/O 2023 conference to announce that the native WhatsApp app for Wear OS will arrive later this year, 2023.

This is good news for all WhatsApp and Android smartwatch users, as the app will now be available for download from the Play Store for smartwatches.

Let's remember that Wear OS is an operating system developed by Google specifically designed for portable devices, such as smartwatches and other wearables. It was originally released in 2014 under the name Android Wear and was later rebranded as Wear OS in 2018.

Wear OS is based on the Android operating system, but is optimized to run on smaller screens and adapt to the needs and features of wearable devices. This allows smartwatch and other device manufacturers to customize the user interface, add additional features, and create apps compatible with the system.

What benefits will the native WhatsApp app bring to Wear OS?

As a user, once the app is installed, you'll be able to read messages, start conversations, reply with audio, mark messages as read, send stickers , answer calls, and even send messages with the help of Google Assistant.

In short, while Wear OS already allowed users to take advantage of Google's operating system designed for wearable devices, WhatsApp on your smartwatch expands even more functionalities and features previously only possible on a smartphone. Now, the same user can take advantage of all the features of WhatsApp on their wearable device as if it were their smartphone.

And for those who don't want to wait until later this year to use the native WhatsApp app for Wear OS, there's the option to download the WhatsApp beta app for Wear OS.

How to join the WhatsApp Wear OS beta?

According to WABetaInfo, the first thing you'll need to do is join the tester program and install WhatsApp version 2.23.10.10 on both your smartphone and smartwatch.

The main benefits you'll enjoy in this beta version will be accessing your chats and messages from your smartwatch, and you can also use voice messages.

However, the brand itself warns that some features may not be available, such as the ability to watch videos and make calls.

It is also not currently available for the WhatsApp Business version.

So we'll have to stay tuned for new updates.

We at GSMPRO are always on the lookout for the latest smartphone and smartwatch developments, so visit us regularly and read our news blog for the latest updates.