With iOS 18.2, Apple now allows you to set third-party apps as the default for calls and messages. WhatsApp is taking advantage of this by introducing support for the latest API, letting iPhone users set it as their default messaging and calling app. This means that when you tap a number in your call log, WhatsApp can be used as the main option instead of regular calls or texts.
WhatsApp Now Integrates Deeper Into iOS
With the release of iOS 18.2, Apple introduced several new categories for setting default apps, including email, messaging, calling, call filtering, browser, passwords & codes, and keyboards. Previously, WhatsApp was not available as a default option.
However, with the latest WhatsApp version 25.8.74 on iOS, the app now supports this feature and can be set as the default for Messaging and Calling. This means WhatsApp will integrate more seamlessly into iOS, allowing users to place calls and send messages directly through WhatsApp instead of the default Phone or Messages apps.
To use this feature, you must have iOS 18.2 or later and update WhatsApp to the latest version from the App Store. If you don’t see the option yet, it may be rolling out gradually.
How to Set WhatsApp as Your Default Calling & Messaging App
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Apps, then select Default Apps.
- Choose Messaging and set it to WhatsApp.
- Go back, select Calling, and set it to WhatsApp as well.
What Changes When You Set WhatsApp as Default
Now that WhatsApp is set as your default calling and messaging app on your iPhone, here’s what changes:
- Calls via WhatsApp by Default: When you tap a phone number in your contacts, from a text, or within any app that supports dialing, your iPhone will prioritize WhatsApp over the default Phone app. Instead of making a regular cellular call, it will open WhatsApp and place the call over the internet.
- Messaging Defaults to WhatsApp: Similarly, if you tap a number to send a message (from call logs, contacts, or apps like Safari), your iPhone will open WhatsApp instead of iMessage or SMS.
- Call Log Behavior Remains Unchanged: Opening the Call Log (Recents) app and tapping a number will still directly dial it as a regular call, unless the call history entry itself was from WhatsApp. To make a WhatsApp call instead, you’ll need to open the contact card and then tap the number.
- No Effect on Incoming Calls/SMS: Regular calls and SMS messages will continue to come through the default Phone and Messages apps unless the sender is using WhatsApp.
