WhatsApp Mac is about to get much better – try it out now
WhatsApp has released the first beta of an alternative Mac app for the popular messaging service. This one is already much better than the current one; we show you how you are already using it.
Read on after the ad.
WhatsApp Mac, but better
There are plenty of reasons not to like the current WhatsApp Mac app. It may be listed as WhatsApp Desktop in the Mac App Store, but otherwise there is little ‘Macs’ about it. The app is slow, consuming memory, doesn’t support any of the built-in macOS techniques (spelling correction, drag & drop) and all in all feels more like a website – but without the buttons of Safari.
That last thought is not so strange at all, because WhatsApp Desktop is based on Electron. And that’s just an entire Chromium browser built to display a single website. That’s right, WhatsApp Web’s page.
Download new WhatsApp
Apparently the people at Meta themselves weren’t too happy with this Mac app, because now a completely new variant is coming. The first beta of this new desktop app is already out, you can download it via the button below. Then open the DMG and drag WhatsApp to your Apps folder. The icon is yellow, indicating that it is a test version. The final version will likely be available in the Mac App Store soon.
Differences with the current version
What is the main difference with the current version? Unlike WhatsApp Desktop, the base of the new WhatsApp is based on Catalyst. That is a technique from Apple to quickly convert iPad apps to apps for the Mac. In fact, you use the real WhatsApp, but in an optimized version for desktop use.
But wait, did we say iPad apps? Yes, the fact that WhatsApp for Mac now uses Catalyst indicates that the app is also in development for the iPad. There were rumors about this before, but this is the biggest proof. WhatsApp for iPad is coming soon.
And if you want to know how that app works and will look like, then you should definitely try this Mac app.
Want to stay up to date with all Apple news? Sign up for our daily/weekly newsletter. In addition, download the free iPhoned app and keep an eye on our website.
