WhatsApp Can Now Be Set as the Default Calling App on iPhone: Here’s How It Works
WhatsApp Can Now Be Set as the Default Calling App on iPhone: Here’s How It Works
WhatsApp has introduced a new feature for iPhone users that allows them to set the app as their default for both calling and messaging. Following the recent iOS 18.2 update, iPhone users can now automatically launch WhatsApp when tapping on a phone number or message button, rather than using the built-in Phone or Messages apps.
This feature was first highlighted by WABetaInfo and reported by MacRumors. It enables WhatsApp to appear in the default app selection menu within iOS settings.
To activate the feature, users need to update WhatsApp to the latest version via the App Store. Once the iOS 18.2 update is installed, iPhone users can go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and select WhatsApp as their preferred app for messaging and calling.
After setting WhatsApp as the default, the Phone or Messages apps will no longer open automatically when you tap on a contact’s phone number or click the message icon. Instead, WhatsApp will open directly for both calls and messages. For example, tapping the call or message button in the iPhone’s Contacts app will now redirect you straight to WhatsApp.
The update is now available to all iPhone users through the App Store, allowing for a more streamlined communication experience. Although initially anticipated to be limited to users in the European Union, the feature is now accessible worldwide.
In related news, Apple is working on additional features for iOS that will offer users and developers more customization options. In addition to calls and messages, iPhone users will soon be able to choose alternative default apps for web browsing, email, password management, translation, call filtering, and payments (in select regions). Furthermore, in the European Union, users can also change their default maps app for greater flexibility.
