WhatsApp has been working on an updated Mac app that features native Apple silicon support, and a beta version of the app is now available to all WhatsApp users. This beta version is a significant upgrade from the previous version as it brings several new features and improvements, including accessibility enhancements.
One of the most significant changes in this update is the optimisation for Apple silicon-based Macs. The app can now run faster and use fewer resources on machines with the M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max chips. This optimisation is possible because the app is now a Universal binary, meaning it is built specifically for Apple’s new processors.
Another major change in this update is the integration with Apple’s Voice Control accessibility application. This feature allows users to dictate messages into the WhatsApp text box, providing a more accessible way of communicating for those with disabilities. The previous version of the WhatsApp, which ran on Rosetta 2, had issues with Voice Control, and users were unable to dictate messages. With this update, WhatsApp for Mac is now compatible with Voice Control, which should make it more accessible for everyone when the final version is released.
It’s worth noting that this is still a beta version of the app, and some features may not work as expected, including when using Voice Control, although in Aestumanda testing the application works perfectly with the dictation app. WhatsApp is expanding testing ahead of an official release, and users can download the beta version of the app from the WhatsApp website.
Meanwhile, when it comes to Windows computers the WhatsApp application does not play well with Microsoft’s Dragon voice dictation software with users struggling to dictate into the WhatsApp text box on Windows PCs.
Overall, for Mac users at least, the new WhatsApp Mac public beta with native Apple Silicon support is an exciting development. The optimisation for Apple silicon-based Macs and the integration with Voice Control will provide a better user experience and make the app more accessible for everyone when the final release arrives..
