This year, WhatsApp has made a significant stride in enhancing the user experience for Mac users by unveiling its native application for macOS. Here’s a guide on how to download and start using it today.

The new macOS application has been meticulously crafted from the ground up, ensuring a native Mac experience that brings about performance and functionality improvements compared to the web version that many users had been using until now.

The WhatsApp Application for Mac: A Game-Changer

Up until recently, Mac users looking to access WhatsApp on their computers had to resort to the web version of the application via a browser. While functional, it didn’t offer a seamlessly integrated experience. Fortunately, WhatsApp has addressed this issue and provided a solution in the form of a brand new native app for macOS. This development will be particularly valuable for those who rely on the application for work and day-to-day communication.

The announcement of the native app’s availability on macOS came from the WhatsApp team, and according to Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, the new native WhatsApp app for macOS is now available “globally” on the Mac App Store. This means you can begin using it right away.

The journey to create this new WhatsApp version for macOS began over a year ago when testing commenced in July of the previous year. Unlike the prior version, which was essentially a web app built using Electron technology, the new app is based on the iPhone version and has been adapted to run natively on macOS. This shift is significant for Mac users, as the new application now fully leverages Apple‘s operating system capabilities.

Benefits of the Native Application over the Web Version

First and foremost, the native app runs considerably faster compared to the previous version. This translates to a much improved and speedier user experience. Additionally, Mac users now have access to the same features available in the iPhone app, including group audio and video calls, expanding communication capabilities right from their Macs.

Another crucial aspect to note is that native apps, like this new WhatsApp version, utilize fewer hardware resources compared to web apps, resulting in a positive impact on battery life.

Furthermore, this application allows users to access their WhatsApp accounts directly from their Mac, even when their phone isn’t nearby.

It’s important to bear in mind that the Mac version of WhatsApp still functions as a companion application. This means you’ll need to have a WhatsApp account set up on your phone to use it. While not a standalone solution, it offers a more convenient and efficient way to communicate via WhatsApp on your Mac without having to constantly monitor your iPhone.

To acquire the application, navigate to the App Store on your Mac, type “WhatsApp” into the search bar, and proceed to download the application.