WhatsApp introduces four new features across iOS, Android, desktop and web. These include a redesigned CarPlay and Android Auto experience that now supports message playback and call history.
The update also offers in-app PDF viewing and editing on the web and desktop, the ability to share Apple Music and Spotify tracks directly in Status, and the option to create a WhatsApp account on an iPad without a phone number.
WhatsApp confirms that all four functions are now available. The announcements coincided with Samsung’s July Unpacked event on the same day.
Autoplay messages with CarPlay and Android auto gain
The previous WhatsApp in-car experience allowed users to send new messages and make WhatsApp calls, but did not allow users to listen to or reply to incoming messages.
According to WhatsApp, the updated experience now allows users to listen to messages and respond by voice while connected to CarPlay or Android Auto. The update also introduces call history, allowing users to view missed WhatsApp calls and access a list of favorite contacts for faster calls and messages.
Lifehacker notes that the previous in-car implementation was more limited than that of competing messaging apps, and that these changes bring WhatsApp closer to parity with them.
Additionally, WhatsApp now allows users to open PDF files directly on the web and desktop apps without downloading them first. After opening a PDF, users can edit it within the app, including highlighting and annotating it.
WhatsApp claims that viewing and editing are handled through Adobe Acrobat integration. These PDF features are available on the web and desktop clients, but not in mobile apps.
Apple Music and Spotify Sharing reach the state
Users can now share tracks from Apple Music and Spotify directly to their WhatsApp status. When a track is shared, contacts can open the song in the respective music service. This update brings WhatsApp Status in line with other social apps that already support music sharing from Apple Music and Spotify.
In May 2025, WhatsApp launched a dedicated iPad app. With this update, users can create a new WhatsApp account directly on the iPad without needing a phone number. This feature is aimed at users whose primary device is an iPad rather than a phone.
WhatsApp has not provided details on how account recovery or cross-device pairing works for accounts created without a phone number.
How to access new features
The new features are rolling out now, but availability may vary by platform and region. To access the new options, update WhatsApp to the latest version via the App Store, Google Play, or the desktop and web clients.
For in-car use, connect your phone to CarPlay or Android Auto and open WhatsApp from your vehicle’s interface to access message playback, view call history, and contact favorites.
When it comes to PDF files, open a received PDF in the WhatsApp web or desktop app to view and annotate it directly, without downloading it. To share music, use the share option within Apple Music or Spotify and select WhatsApp Status as the destination.
For iPad users, opening the WhatsApp app for iPad and following the registration process now no longer requires a phone number. WhatsApp claims that these four features are now available on iOS, Android, desktop and web.
However, the rollout is usually done in stages, so some accounts may see updates later. The company has not set a specific date for completing the rollout nor confirmed whether the in-car message playback feature requires a minimum version of CarPlay or Android Auto.
Users who haven’t seen a feature after the update may simply be waiting for the server-side gradual rollout.
