Native WhatsApp software coming to Mac thanks to Catalyst

WhatsApp is working on a new Mac app that uses Apple's Mac Catalyst development framework and this will let it use system resources more efficiently.

WhatsApp — owned by Meta — currently offers a web-based Electron app for Mac users alongside its web app through browsers. The new app has been in a closed beta for a few months, but now anyone can download the 85.1MB file on macOS Big Sur or later on the WhatsApp website.

After installation, it will present a QR code for users to scan with their iPhone and link their account using the WhatsApp iOS app. The three-panel interface inside the Mac app offers access to archived chats, starred messages, phone calls, and settings.

The Catalyst app offers features not found in the Electron version

The Catalyst app offers features not found in the Electron version, such as file drag-and-drop functionality and a spell-checker.

Electron versus Catalyst

Electron and Catalyst are software development frameworks that help developers create desktop apps. Electron's goal is to simplify app development that wraps code inside a version of the Chromium browser engine.

The web-based nature means that Electron apps can't offer the same functionality as native apps, such as those built using Catalyst.

Apple built the Catalyst framework to help developers create Mac apps that share code with their iPad apps. It can automatically bring iPad-specific features and port them into compatible macOS features.

Meta has yet to release WhatsApp on the iPad. It's not clear if the Mac app is springing from iOS code, or if the iPad will get a version based on what's released for the Mac.

9 Comments

racerhomie3 1264 comments · 7 Years

About 1 year ago

It’s literally iOS code on the Mac, with my 2017 Pro giving bugs like your iPhone mic not working. Not complaining,but it’s much better than the hot Electron garbage meta was shipping, only using 70-80mb(1/4 than electron) of RAM & opening faster. Plus chats are instant & it feels like native Mac code not a browser window.

bala1234 167 comments · 6 Years

I downloaded beta version and its fine... Its still mirroring the phone client though. Until there is true multi-device support like iMessage its not that big a deal

tht 5594 comments · 23 Years

aaplfanboy said:

It’s really pathetic that Meta hasn’t released an iPad version of WhatsApp. Can anyone enlighten me on the reasons?

It's the same reason why there isn't an iPad Instagram version. Zuckerberg doesn't want to. Why is that so? Well, it's probably something to do with not wanting to give Apple too much power.

It's the same reasons why Apple doesn't have all its software and services perform well on Windows are be available for Linux or for Android, or why Microsoft doesn't implement all Office features for Mac or even have Project or Vizio available for Mac.

dutchlord 274 comments · 7 Years

Pffff still way too complicated. Why aren’t they able to release a decent iPhone and iPad app in 2023??? I deleted my Whatsapp 2 years ago and don’t regret.

dutchlord said:

Pffff still way too complicated. Why aren’t they able to release a decent iPhone and iPad app in 2023??? I deleted my Whatsapp 2 years ago and don’t regret.

Yeah I would do the same. But my clients insist on it, and my dad refuses to use an iPhone even if I gift it to him. He still thinks $70 phone is good.