WhatsApp could become the default calling and messaging app on the iPhone

With the release of iOS 18.2 last year, Apple allowed users to install third-party apps as defaults for calls and messages. Now WhatsApp is gearing up to take advantage of that opportunity by asking iPhone users to designate it as their primary communication app.

According to WABetaInfo, users of the beta version of WhatsApp 25.8.10.74 on the iPhone already can set the app as the primary app for calls and messages. This means that when tapping a number in any iOS app will open WhatsApp by default, rather than the built-in Phone and Messages.

The feature is available to a limited number of beta testers for now, and the timeline for its mass release remains unknown. But it’s a significant step for WhatsApp, which could become the main messenger for millions of iPhone users.