WhatsApp Can Now Be Set as Default Messaging App on iPhone Globally

WhatsApp users on iPhone can now set the app as their default messaging and calling service, following a surprise update released on March 27.

Credit: META

The change comes with iOS app version 25.8.74 and was initially expected to be limited to European Union users. However, the feature is now available worldwide.

Previously, iPhone users could only set default apps for email, browsers, and calling services like FaceTime, Zoom, or the built-in Phone app. The ability to select WhatsApp as the default messaging app is a first.

After updating to the latest version, users can go to the iPhone’s Settings app, tap on Apps, then Default Apps. Under the Messaging section, WhatsApp now appears alongside Messages (iMessage).

The same update also adds WhatsApp to the list of default calling apps, which previously included FaceTime, Phone, and Zoom.

Setting WhatsApp as the default means that tapping a phone number in the Contacts app will initiate a call via WhatsApp instead of the Phone app. Similarly, messages will be sent through WhatsApp by default.

While the change may have limited impact in the United States, where iMessage and FaceTime are widely used, it is expected to be significant in regions where WhatsApp is the dominant communication platform.

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• WhatsApp can now be set as the default messaging and calling app on iPhones

• The update rolled out globally on March 27 with iOS version 25.8.74

• Users can change defaults in the iPhone’s Settings under Apps > Default Apps

Source: FORBES