WhatsApp is introducing four new features on iOS, Android, desktop and web. These include a redesigned CarPlay and Android Auto experience that now supports message playback and call history.
The update also brings in-app PDF viewing and editing on web and desktop, the ability to share Apple Music and Spotify tracks directly to Status, and the option to create a WhatsApp account on iPad without a phone number.
WhatsApp confirms that all four features are now available. The announcements coincide with Samsung’s July Unpacked event on the same day.
CarPlay and Android Auto gain message playback
The previous in-car experience of WhatsApp allowed users to send new messages and make WhatsApp calls, but it did not support listening or replying to incoming messages.
According to WhatsApp, the updated experience now lets users listen to messages and respond by voice when connected to CarPlay or Android Auto. The update also includes Call History, which enables users to view missed WhatsApp calls and access the favorite contacts list for quick calls and messages.
Lifehacker says the previous in-car implementation was more limited than competing messaging apps, and these changes bring WhatsApp closer to parity with them.
Additionally, WhatsApp now allows users to open PDFs directly in the web and desktop apps without downloading them first. After opening the PDF, users can edit it within the app, including highlighting and annotating.
WhatsApp says that viewing and editing is managed through Adobe Acrobat integration. These PDF features are available on the web and desktop clients but not on the mobile apps.
Apple Music and Spotify share status
Users can now share tracks from Apple Music and Spotify directly to their WhatsApp status. When a track is shared, contacts can open the song in the associated music service. This update aligns WhatsApp Status with other social apps that already support music sharing from Apple Music and Spotify.
In May 2025, WhatsApp released a dedicated iPad app. With this update, users can create a new WhatsApp account directly on iPad without the need for a phone number. This feature is for users whose primary device is an iPad rather than a phone.
WhatsApp hasn’t provided details on how account recovery or multi-device linking works for accounts created without a phone number.
How to access new features
New features are rolling out now, but availability may vary depending on platform and region. To access the new options, update WhatsApp to the latest version through the App Store, Google Play, or desktop and web clients.
For in-car use, connect your phone to CarPlay or Android Auto and open WhatsApp from your vehicle’s interface for message playback, viewing call history, and accessing favorite contacts.
When it comes to PDFs, open the received PDF in WhatsApp Web or desktop app to directly view and annotate it without downloading it. To share music, use the share option within Apple Music or Spotify and select WhatsApp Status as the target.
For iPad users, a phone number is no longer required to open the WhatsApp app for iPad and follow the signup process. WhatsApp says that these four features are now available on iOS, Android, desktop and web.
However, the rollout usually happens in phases, so some accounts may see the update later. The company hasn’t set a specific date to complete the rollout or confirmed whether the in-car message playback feature requires a minimum CarPlay or Android Auto version.
Users who haven’t seen any features after updating may simply be waiting for the phased server-side rollout.
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