The latest update to WhatsApp Messenger has added support for Apple's CarPlay in-vehicle connectivity system, according to Dutch tech blog iCulture. Previously in-car WhatsApp access was only possible using the app's Siri integration, but the advantage of the new official CarPlay support is that users can also receive WhatsApp push messages while driving.

With version 2.18.2 of the app installed on an iPhone connected to CarPlay, WhatsApp automatically appears as one of the icons on the CarPlay dash interface.

whatsapp carplay melding

Image via iCulture

The new CarPlay integration means that Siri will notify in-vehicle users when they have received new WhatsApp messages and offer to read them out loud one by one. Users can also send WhatsApp messages by specifying to Siri who it is they wish to contact, then dictating the message. Siri will recount the dictated message to confirm, after which the user has the option to edit the message or send it on its way.

Apple's own Messages app has been a feature of CarPlay since the vehicle dash system was launched. CarPlay users are able to play back audio-based iMessages, have text messages spoken out loud to them, and also compose them using Siri. The difference with WhatsApp in CarPlay, according to iCulture, is that it doesn't enable the user to browse through a list of chat conversations.

WhatsApp is a free download for iPhone from the App Store. [Direct Link]

Related Roundup: CarPlay
Tag: WhatsApp
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology

Top Rated Comments

3pp Avatar
3pp
70 months ago
Changelog shows ‘Bug fixes.’
Is there a reason why all the major app developers seem to be intent on not announcing new features and instead must write ‘bug fixes’ for every release?

This should be banned by Apple as it is misleading to the user.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nozuka Avatar
Nozuka
70 months ago
I see more car crashes coming.
Happy texting during driving.
And NO Siri does not make things better.

Anyway, texting(with or without Siri & Co.) during driving should lead to a permanent driving license suspension.
you should also not be able to do handsfree phone calls then. or talk to anyone sitting next to you in the car.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wildkraut Avatar
Wildkraut
70 months ago
People love to blame technology for bad driving. It’s an easy out. But the fact is that everyday I see people tailgating, not using turn signals, speeding well beyond the limits, cutting people off, blaring horns, tons of aggressive driving…
Well Siri sucks, but I didn’t blame the tech, i blamed the laws thats allows it to be used while driving.
When people drive, they should only drive, not smoke, not eat, not drink, nor unnecessarily with gadgets, etc.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wildkraut Avatar
Wildkraut
70 months ago
I see more car crashes coming.
Happy texting during driving.
And NO Siri does not make things better.

Anyway, texting(with or without Siri & Co.) during driving should lead to a permanent driving license suspension.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Swampthing Avatar
Swampthing
70 months ago
I see more car crashes coming.
Happy texting during driving.
And NO Siri does not make things better.

Anyway, texting(with or without Siri & Co.) during driving should lead to a permanent driving license suspension.
People love to blame technology for bad driving. It’s an easy out.

But the fact is that everyday I see people tailgating, not using turn signals, speeding well beyond the limits, cutting people off, blaring horns, tons of aggressive driving…

All of these things were being done before we had distractions. And they are all still being done now. How about we take more responsibility for our actions on the road rather than blaming technology?
[doublepost=1517227010][/doublepost]
It's version 2.18.20, not 2.18.2.
You DO realize that’s the same number, right? :rolleyes:
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2268473 Avatar
2268473
70 months ago
Where's the iPad app? It's 2018.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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