WhatsApp Can Now Be Your Default Messaging and Calling App on iPhone — Here's How

iPhone users running the latest beta version of WhatsApp can now set the app as their default for both calls and messages. First reported by WABetaInfo, this feature appears in version 25.8.74 of the iOS beta and takes advantage of a new flexibility introduced in Apple's iOS 18.2.

Initially announced for EU users due to regulatory changes, Apple's support for custom default apps is now expanding more broadly. That means you can now swap out Apple's native Phone and Messages apps for WhatsApp - if you're part of the TestFlight beta program.

One Tap, Straight to WhatsApp

Once set, WhatsApp will launch any time you tap a phone number in Safari, Contacts, or another app. Messaging shortcuts behave the same way. You won't need to jump between apps just to respond to a text or place a call.

This complements WhatsApp's built-in dialer, which lets users manually enter phone numbers - and even check if a number is on WhatsApp before calling.

How to Set WhatsApp as Your Default App on iPhone

If you have the latest WhatsApp beta installed, here's how to switch:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

• Scroll down and tap on Apps.

• Select Default Apps.

• Choose Messaging App and select WhatsApp from the list.

• Do the same for Calling App.

Once set, tapping any phone number or message link - whether from Safari, Contacts, or another app - will launch WhatsApp instead of Apple's default apps.

WhatsApp's Growing Role in iOS

The change reflects a broader shift: Apple is loosening its grip on system defaults, and Meta is wasting no time moving in. For users who already rely on WhatsApp for most of their communication, this feature simply makes it easier to centralize everything - messages, voice calls, and even multimedia sharing - in one place.

That said, the feature is still in beta and hasn't rolled out to the general public. No word yet on if or when Android users will see the same option.

Via