WhatsApp users can now set the app as their default for calling and messaging on iPhones, marking a significant shift in Apple’s approach to third-party app integration. The change was first reported by WABetaInfo on X (formerly Twitter) and was spotted in WhatsApp version 25.8.74 on the App Store. This update aligns with the growing trend of users relying on internet-based communication apps rather than traditional phone calls and SMS.
With this update, WhatsApp now appears as an option in iOS Settings → Apps → Default Apps, where users can select it as their Messaging and Calling default. Apple introduced the ability to set third-party apps as defaults in iOS 18.2, initially announcing that the feature would be limited to the European Union due to regulatory requirements. However, the functionality has since been made available worldwide, giving iPhone users greater control over their preferred communication platforms.
📝 WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.8.10.74: what’s new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to set it as the default app for messages and calls, and it’s available to some beta testers!https://t.co/7CHWS8a9wu pic.twitter.com/zBmo2pYjSc
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) March 27, 2025
By selecting WhatsApp as the default, iPhones will automatically route calls and messages through the app instead of Apple’s built-in Messages, Phone, or FaceTime. For example, when a user taps the message or call buttons within a contact’s profile in the Contacts app, iOS will directly launch WhatsApp instead of Apple’s native apps. This feature simplifies the process for users who primarily communicate via WhatsApp, reducing the need to manually switch between apps.
The move reflects a broader shift in the way people communicate, as encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp continue to replace traditional phone services. It also highlights Apple’s evolving stance on third-party app integration, particularly in response to regulatory scrutiny and changing user expectations.
This update benefits users by providing more flexibility and customization options for their iPhone experience. It also reinforces WhatsApp’s position as a dominant messaging platform globally, further integrating it into daily communication workflows.
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