WhatsApp Update Brings Surprise Change For All iPhone Users

Forbes - Mar 27th, 2025

WhatsApp users on Apple iPhone can now set the app as their default messaging service with the latest iOS update, version 25.8.74. Previously, Apple had restricted the capability to choose preferred default apps to European Union users, but it is now available worldwide. This update allows users to select WhatsApp for messaging and calling by default, alongside existing options like iMessages, FaceTime, and Zoom. The update was initially noticed by WABetaInfo for some beta testers and has now been rolled out for general use. To apply the change, iPhone users need to navigate to the Settings app, select Apps, and then manage the Default Apps settings.

The global availability of this feature reflects a significant shift in Apple's approach to user preference customization, which could potentially enhance WhatsApp's utility outside its already strong user base. While this update is likely to be impactful in regions where WhatsApp is predominantly used, such as outside the U.S., its influence in the States might be less significant due to the popularity of Apple's native services like Phone, FaceTime, and iMessages. This development underscores Apple's willingness to expand user choice in response to market demands and regulatory pressures, particularly within the EU.

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Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides timely and relevant information about a significant update for WhatsApp users on iPhones. It is clear and easy to understand, with practical instructions for setting WhatsApp as a default app. However, the article lacks balance and transparency, with limited source variety and no disclosure of methodology. The speculative nature of its claims about user impact, particularly in the U.S., and the absence of diverse perspectives slightly undermine its credibility. Overall, while informative, the article would benefit from more thorough verification and a broader range of viewpoints to enhance its reliability and engagement potential.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports that WhatsApp can now be set as the default messaging and calling app on iPhones, which is consistent with recent updates. However, the claim about the global availability of this feature, initially intended for EU users only, requires further verification. The story mentions the update arriving with iOS version 25.8.74, which aligns with the typical versioning for app updates. Yet, the exact iOS version supporting this feature and the technical limitations of WhatsApp as a default app, such as its VoIP-only nature, are not detailed. The potential impact on users, particularly in the U.S., is speculative and lacks supporting data.

Balance

The article presents a primarily positive view of the update, focusing on the benefits of WhatsApp as a default app. It briefly acknowledges that the impact may vary by region, suggesting limited appeal in the U.S. due to existing preferences for Apple's native apps. However, it doesn't explore potential downsides or challenges users might face, such as compatibility issues or user experience differences. The lack of diverse perspectives makes the article slightly unbalanced.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a straightforward explanation of how to set WhatsApp as the default app on an iPhone. It provides step-by-step instructions, which enhance comprehension. However, the article could benefit from clearer differentiation between factual information and speculative opinions about user impact.

Source quality

The article references WABetaInfo as a source for the update's availability, which is a credible source for WhatsApp news. However, it lacks additional authoritative sources or official statements from Apple or WhatsApp to substantiate the claims about the global rollout and technical specifics. This reliance on a single source weakens the article's overall credibility.

Transparency

The article does not disclose how the information was obtained or whether the writer has any potential conflicts of interest. There is no explanation of the methodology used to verify the claims, such as testing the feature across different iOS versions or regions. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for readers to assess the reliability of the information presented.