WhatsApp Messenger for iPhone

WhatsApp Messenger allows you to send text messages, as well as images, video and audio, using your mobile device's Internet connection.

WhatsApp is a multi-platform messaging service available on most mobile operating systems, as well as Windows and Mac. If you'd like to use WhatsApp for PC on your computer, download it here.

Powerful and complete alternative to SMS

WhatsApp Messenger replaces traditional SMS messaging with a free instant messaging system over 3G/4G or WiFi.

With WhatsApp you can also make calls for free, even when your friends are located in a different country. Calls are free because the app uses your internet connection, like Skype, instead of your carrier's call network. Therefore, if you are not connected to WiFi, WhatsApp calls will use your data plan.

With WhatsApp Messenger you can speak with your friends through a classic chat-style interface. This interface can be customized with different wallpapers if you like. You can chat with just one person, or several contacts at once, up-to groups of 50 people. It's a good way to save sending lots of messages and to communicate quickly with several people at once. And there is no risk of losing the history of conversations: WhatsApp lets you store them and this feature has been improved over time to avoid unexpected loss.

You can also select any message to star it, so you can easily find it later. Starred messages appear in a group chat list and also in their own section in search results.

In terms of options, WhatsApp Messenger allows you to send photos, audio files, and videos to your contacts. It's possible to send multiple images and videos at once, and send files from other apps you have installed (when you open the "Photo/Video Library", just tap "Choose from another app..."). You can also share a map of your current location and details of your contacts, and edit images and photos by rotating, cropping, and adding notes, comments, or captions.

You can also send links with the option of including a rich preview. This allows those you message to see where you are directing them before they open the link.

For the security conscious, the latest versions of WhatsApp now include automatic end-to-end encryption. This prevents outside parties being able to access, read, or listen to your messages.

WhatsApp Messenger also includes a Push to Talk messaging feature. In the style of a walkie talkie, WhatsApp adds the option to record and share voice messages in real time, be they large or small. It's the same type of function offered by apps such as Voxer and Zello.

WhatsApp for iOS is compatible with other iOS 8 apps; you can share images, videos or links with your WhatsApp contacts, without opening WhatsApp.

Of course, emoticons are an important part of any chat app, and this app comes with plenty, if you want to express yourself in pictorial form.

How does WhatsApp work?

Chatting with WhatsApp Messenger requires both you and your contact have the application installed. Once you've installed the app on your device, you can see straight away which of your contacts are using WhatsApp, then start chatting to them.

WhatsApp is a hugely popular messaging network, and you're probably more likely to find other friends who use it than who use other rival messaging apps. This is a generalization of course, and it could be that you have more friends using apps like KakaoTalk, LINE, Kik Messenger, or Viber. These apps behave more or less the same as WhatsApp Messenger but have their own distinct features and quirks. It's worth checking out our reviews of these apps to find out how they differ.

The verdict

There are many similar apps to WhatsApp Messenger out there, and some are even better. Yet, such is the popularity of WhatsApp that it is an essential download for your mobile.

- Introducing WhatsApp video calling. With free video calls, you can have face-to-face chats with your friends and family around the world. Data charges may apply. (requires iOS 8+) - Search for the perfect animated GIF, right from within WhatsApp. Just tap Attach - Photo/Video Library and tap on the GIF search button on the bottom left to get started.