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Huge WhatsApp update offers millions of Apple users a new way to message their friends – here’s what you need to know

  • WhatsApp has a new app for Mac after the launch of WhatsApp for Windows
  • With the special app you can make calls, both one-on-one and in groups

By Shivali Best for Mailonline

Updated:

It is the preferred messaging app for millions of people around the world.

And now there’s good news if you’re a WhatsApp fan who also uses a Mac.

WhatsApp has launched a new app for Mac, following the successful launch of the WhatsApp app for Windows desktop earlier this year.

Unlike WhatsApp for desktop, the dedicated app lets you make calls both one-on-one and in groups.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of WhatsApp’s parent company Meta, explains: ‘Launching a new WhatsApp app for Mac. Group conversations up to 8 people on video and 32 on audio.’

WhatsApp has launched a new app for Mac, following the successful launch of the WhatsApp app for Windows desktop earlier this year

Unlike WhatsApp for desktop, the dedicated app lets you make calls both one-on-one and in groups

According to WhatsApp, the new app is designed specifically with Mac users in mind.

The app has been redesigned to be familiar to Mac users, so you can get more done faster when using WhatsApp on a big screen.

“You can now share files by simply dragging and dropping them into a chat, and you can view a larger portion of your chat history.”

Users will be able to make group calls from their Macs for the first time, connecting with up to eight people on video calls and 32 people on audio calls.

“Now you can join a group conversation after it’s started, view your call history, and choose to receive incoming call notifications even when the app is closed,” WhatsApp added.

Fortunately, the new app is designed with privacy in mind and features end-to-end encryption just like the mobile app.

End-to-end encryption ensures that only you and the person you’re communicating with can read or listen to what’s being sent, and no one in between, not even WhatsApp.

You can download the new WhatsApp for Mac app now from WhatsApp.com, and soon directly from the App Store.

The new app comes shortly after WhatsApp announced that you can now send photos in HD quality.

WhatsApp says the new feature is suitable “for those special moments you want friends and family to enjoy in great detail.”

To try it for yourself, simply open the WhatsApp app and tap the conversation you want to send an HD photo in.

Tap the “+” symbol at the bottom left of the screen, then tap Photo & Video Library.

Select which photo you want to share and you should now see a new HD option at the top of the screen.

Tap this, then tap the blue arrow icon at the bottom right of your screen and the photo will be sent in HD.

BEST WHATSAPP ALTERNATIVES

If you’re considering uninstalling WhatsApp, you’ll be happy to know that there are several alternative apps to choose from:

1. Telegram

With over 400 million users, Telegram is one of the most popular WhatsApp alternatives.

Although it is very similar to WhatsApp, it is distinguished by the fact that it offers the possibility to set messages to self-destruct after a certain period of time, without leaving any traces.

Telegram also offers end-to-end encryption.

But as a WhatsApp spokesperson pointed out, Telegram “doesn’t offer end-to-end encryption by default, so it’s not necessarily more secure than WhatsApp.”

2. Signal

Signal is one of the most secure messaging apps, thanks to being open source.

This means that the code for the app is publicly available for viewing, making it virtually impossible for the app’s creators to sneak in backdoors that would allow governments or hackers to spy on your messages.

3. iMessages

If you’re using an iPhone, consider simply switching to iMessage, Apple’s own messaging app.

The app has some impressive features, including no character limits, the ability to send photos and videos, and of course Apple’s animated emoji feature, Animoji.

Unfortunately, iMessage is only available for iPhone users, so you’ll struggle to communicate with someone using an Android.

4. Google Messages

Google’s answer to iMessage is Google Messages, a messaging service available only for Android.

The app replaces your standard texting app and integrates with all of Google’s apps and services, making it easy to share images or use Google Assistant.

5. Facebook Messenger

If you’re hesitant to use WhatsApp because of its data sharing with Facebook, Facebook Messenger may not be the best option for you.

However, the app offers some useful features, including games, secret conversations, and video calls.

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