California: WhatsApp is currently testing Apple CarPlay experience for iPhone users, aiming to make messaging and calling safer while driving. The new feature is currently being tested with a small group of iOS beta users.
Until now, WhatsApp’s CarPlay support was very limited. Users could only interact with messages through Siri voice commands, such as listening to incoming messages or replying by speaking. There was no proper app interface on the car’s screen. But WhatsApp is now working on a native CarPlay app. This brings a structured interface that allows users to access key features directly on the car’s display instead of relying only on voice.
The new CarPlay version shows a recent chat list when WhatsApp is opened. This list displays conversations from the past few weeks, usually covering around 20 to 25 days of activity. For safety reasons, users cannot open full chat histories or read long conversations. This limitation is meant to reduce distractions while driving.
From the chat list, users can quickly select a contact to send a message or start a call. There is also a “New Message” option that allows users to contact someone who may not appear in the recent list.
The app also includes a call history section. This shows recent incoming, outgoing, and missed calls along with basic details like contact names and call times. Users can return calls directly from this screen.
Another addition is a favorites tab, which gives you quick access to frequently contacted people. This helps users reach important contacts without navigating through multiple menus.
The CarPlay app is designed with safety in mind. It reportedly supports light and dark modes and follows Apple’s in‑car design guidelines, using large buttons and minimal text for easy use while driving.
The feature is currently available only to iOS beta testers through TestFlight. WhatsApp has not confirmed when the CarPlay experience will be released to all users. And, as with most beta features, the final version may change based on user feedback. Some features could be added, edited, or completely removed before the full public launch.
If introduced widely, the dedicated CarPlay app could make WhatsApp much more useful for drivers. It showcases the company’s aim to improve access across devices while keeping safety a priority on the road.
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