Free messaging and calling app
WhatsApp for iPhone is the go-to instant messaging app for many users today, and with good reason. It allows you to send messages, and make audio calls and video calls without any extra charges. All you need is to be connected to a Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G or 5G mobile data network and you'll be able to talk to your friends and family, even if they are in a different country.
The next gen messaging app
You also get additional features like the typing indicator that tells you when your contact is writing a message, last seen status to show when they were online, and the check marks that tell you whether a message has been sent, delivered and read.
A good alternative to Facetime
Unlike Apple's own Facetime app, WhatsApp for iPhone doesn't require your friends to be on iOS. That's because the latter is available for Android users as well, so cross-platform chatting and calling is a reality.
Voice and video calls aren't the only way to stay in touch with your loved ones, as voice and video messages are also a part of the service's ecosystem. Group video calls are supported as well, which makes it the perfect digital reunion.
Send files, photos and videos
Sending documents to your colleague doesn't require you or the recipient to download a separate app. It is easy as sending an emoji. All you have to do is tap the paper clip button to attach your files. Similarly, hit the GPS icon to share your location with a friend.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and you have no limits to how many you can send to your contacts. The built-in camera option in WhatsApp for iPhone is a neat way to snap a picture or take a video and share it with your contacts quickly. The option to send media files is quite helpful too.
When you receive videos from platforms like YouTube, you'll be able to view them directly from WhatsApp's interface.
Liven up the conversation
Emojis aren't the only way to express your emotions, WhatsApp includes an animated GIF search tool to help you quickly find a relevant one. Stickers have long been a major feature in Telegram and Viber but it is good to see stickers on WhatsApp.
Post a cool status message or a photo to tell your contacts what you have been up to.
Secure messaging
The service uses end-to-end encryption, i.e. it encrypts the conversation and its contents, so what you send to your contact is only accessible between the two of you. This makes it more secure than the average cloud based messenger, and the iCloud drive backup for your chats is useful when you reset the phone or move to a new device.
Group chats
Group chats are another reason why WhatsApp is such a popular messenger app. Large groups of people such as families, friends, colleagues, teams, etc use the instant messaging app to communicate with each other on a daily basis.
Even if you aren't on groups, it still allows you to broadcast messages to multiple recipients at the same time.
WhatsApp Web
Always at your desk? Chat right from your computer browser using WhatsApp Web which works on Safari, Firefox, Chrome, among other browsers. Or optionally install the standalone MacOS or Windows app for native desktop notifications.
And the password-less login for the desktop version makes it very convenient, just scan a QR-code to authenticate the browser. Having the phone and PC connected to sync the messages maybe an issue for some, but typing from a real keyboard is a lot more convenient than on a touch keyboard.
A cost effective way to communicate
Free messages and voice calls, video calls, group chats, multimedia messages, stickers, GIFs, emojis, location sharing and more. It's easy to see why WhatsApp for iPhone has taken over SMS text messaging and regular phone calls in many regions.
The app boasts a huge userbase than its competition comprising Line, Skype, Hike and even Facebook Messenger, to some extent.
What's new in WhatsApp
The iPhone app supports Face ID and Touch ID, which lets you lock the app securely. You will need to use the fingerprint scanner or the face unlock option whenever you open the app, so it is a perfect solution to keep your data private even when you hand your phone to somebody. The addition of stickers to WhatsApp for iPhone makes chatting more fun.
