Several months trailing the launch of WhatsApp’s client for Windows PCs, Mac aficionados can finally revel in their own standalone app for the ubiquitous messaging service. The app, which has been simmering in the beta phase since the beginning of the year, is now officially available for Apple’s lineup of desktops and laptops. This marks the first occasion Mac users can engage in WhatsApp group video calls straight from their machines.
The Mac-based WhatsApp accommodates as many as eight users for video conferences and a whopping 32 for audio-only gabfests. Users are offered the convenience of joining ongoing group calls and can peruse their past call and chat logs. Additionally, the app lets you stay in the loop with incoming call notifications even if you don’t have the WhatsApp client actively open on your Mac. File sharing is just as effortless as you might hope, allowing users to drag and drop files directly into their ongoing chats.
WhatsApp’s developers have invested considerable sweat equity into ensuring that end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is maintained across different devices with seamless cross-platform synchronization. Given this backdrop, it comes as no great shock that the Mac version of WhatsApp is fortified with E2EE to secure your conversations and voice or video calls. You can get your hands on this newly minted app by downloading it from the official WhatsApp website, and it’s expected to make its way to the Mac App Store in the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about WhatsApp Mac App
What is the new feature WhatsApp has added for Mac users?
WhatsApp has launched a dedicated Mac app that allows users to participate in group video calls with up to eight people. This is the first time Mac users can engage in WhatsApp video conferencing directly from their desktops or laptops.
How many participants can join a WhatsApp video call on the new Mac app?
The new Mac app for WhatsApp allows group video calls to accommodate as many as eight participants. For audio-only conversations, the app can support up to 32 participants.
Does the new WhatsApp Mac app support end-to-end encryption?
Yes, the WhatsApp team has ensured that the Mac version of the app comes with end-to-end encryption for both chats and calls. This ensures that your conversations are secure.
Can I join an ongoing group call through the WhatsApp Mac app?
Yes, the WhatsApp Mac app allows you to join group calls even after they have already started. You can also view your past call and chat logs through the app.
How can I share files on the new WhatsApp Mac app?
File sharing is made convenient in the WhatsApp Mac app. You can simply drag and drop files into your ongoing chats to share them.
Where can I download the new WhatsApp Mac app?
The WhatsApp Mac app is currently available for download from WhatsApp’s official website. It is expected to be available on the Mac App Store in the near future.
Will I receive notifications for incoming calls even if the WhatsApp Mac app is not open?
Yes, the WhatsApp Mac app is designed to send you notifications for incoming calls even when the client is not actively open on your computer.
How long was the WhatsApp Mac app in the beta phase?
The WhatsApp Mac app was in the beta testing phase since January before its official release.